REPORT BY BRIAN WALLER
In this friendly encounter, the game was played over three 30 minutes sessions at the Playford Road ground.

The U's started well and all the boys were up for the game against their local rivals. However, it did not start too well as they went 1-0 down in the first period from a free kick.

Not to be overawed, the team kept their heads up and went looking for the goals but all the opportunities that came their way did not produce the end result.

The work rate was very good and the second period followed much the same pattern as the first.

Colchester continued to play good football and looked the more likely to score and kept the game at a good tempo.

Several shots were put in and it came as no surprise when they got on level terms midway through this one through Freddie Ladapo.

He was fouled in the box and duly put away the resulting spot kick himself.

The U's squad are beginning to do well as a team, with the new intake of players blending in well with those here from last season.

However, it was someone who came on trial towards the end of last season and really hit it off, to be duly signed, that is proving to be the real star at the start of this season. 

And it was that man Ladapo who capitalised on Town's failure to clear an attack, and he netted as a result of deflections.

It was during the final session that the younger players were given their chance by Colchester and they did not let their team down as they kept up the good work.

Matty Brown had a shot from the edge of the box which flashed just wide.

Finally after keeper Shaun Phillips had made a good save, a third goal was scored.

Again it was Ladapo to the fore with a good burst, and he set up Irish striker Michael Rafter, who converted the chance well.

It was a pleasing result for manager Richard Hall - standing in for Tony Humes - who congratulated all the boys in playing really well in what was a good game and a much deserved win. 

U's: Shaun Phillips Jack Folan, Connor Cranmer, Bradley Hamilton, Matty Redgrave, Matty Brown, Ryan Melaugh, Jordan Sanderson, Alex Gilbey, Craig Arnott, Augustin Mafuta, Tosin Olufemi, Ross Gilfedder, Freddie Ladapo and Michael Rafter