Colchester United got pre-season off to a winning start on Saturday, thanks to four goals against Maldon & Tiptree on a baking hot afternoon.
Three goals in the first half had the U's in a commanding position and they ran out 4-1 winners by the time the final whistle blew on Saturday.
Sporting their new black away kit, the U's were on the front foot from the off on Saturday, and opened the scoring after thirteen minutes.
Two minutes later, it was 2-0 and more good work from Collins set up Sammie Szmodics, who made no mistake as he slotted home past Ethan Ross.
The U's were in the ascendancy and made it three when another powerful Collins run saw him fouled in the box and he stepped up to score the penalty.
The visitors were not to have it all their own way, though, as Maldon got one back just before half time.
Sam Warde stepped up and curled home a fantastic free kick to give Dillon Barnes no chance.
It was all change at half time as both sides fielded new elevens and the U's continued where they left off, with Decarrey Sheriff and Ryan Gondoh seeing plenty of the ball.
They got their fourth when Bailey Vose saved well from Sheriff, only for Mikael Mandron to slot home the rebound.
Brennan Dickenson fired one over the bar, before Sheriff hit the post with fifteen minutes remaining.
Gondoh was then denied by a great block after Vose had saved Mandron's shot.
A useful first outing for the new look U's, who now go to Braintree on Tuesday.
U's first half: D. Barnes, Jackson, Clampin, Lapslie, Prosser, Kent, Senior, Wright, Nouble, Szmodics, Collins
U's second half: Gilmartin, A. Barnes, Rooney, Eastman, James, Comley, Pell (Wright), Gondoh, Sheriff, Dickenson, Mandron