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Next Monday's League One game will be on a completely different level, but the U's struck first blood in a week of Essex derbies on Wednesday afternoon.

The first team fixture in five days time will be an intense encounter, but in the second string match at Roots Hall, the U's ran out comfortable 5-1 winners.

There were two goals from triallist Simon Thomas as an experienced Colchester side eased to victory against a younger opposition.

Thomas put the U's in front with an assured finish after just 27 minutes.

Ian Henderson was the man to put him in on goal and the Billericay forward made no mistake with his strike.

The visitors went further ahead five minutes before half time as David Fox strode onto the ball and lashed in a fierce effort from distance that pinged in off the post to make it 2-0.

And the game was firmly in the U's favour just before the half time whistle, as Henderson acrobatically volleyed home to give the U's a three goal cushion.

Three became four in the second half as Medy Elito's deflected effort found a way past Daniel Bentley in the Southend goal.

Southend did manage to get one back with about fifteen minutes to go, as Harry Crawford's header beat Mark Cousins, but it was to prove to be temporary respite for the home side.

Thomas finished the game as he started with a goal. Bentley saved Craig Arnott's first effort, but the triallist was on hand to head home and make it five for the U's.

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