BekriI Bajraktaraj could become the latest crowd-pleaser at Layer Road.

The 23-year-old Dutchman, currently on a fortnight's trial with Colchester United, was the star turn as the Second Division club cruised to a 4-0 victory against Cornard in their first pre-season friendly of the summer.

After coming on as a second-half substitute he scored a 30-yard thunderbolt and caught the eye in a holding midfield role.

U's manager Steve Whitton used the match to field two teams, one in each half, against the Jewson League division one side.

But it was Bajraktaraj, who plays in the Dutch first division for a Rotterdam-based club, who earned special praise after the clash at Blackhouse Lane on Saturday.

Whitton said: "Bekri came and played for our reserves against Southend last year but now we've got the chance to have a longer look at him.

"I asked him to do a specific job against Cornard - to play in a holding midfield role - and I thought he did very well.

"It's the first time I've really seen him play but I was very impressed. He'll train with us for the rest of the week and then we'll take it from there."

Bajraktaraj, 23, added: "I'm enjoying my time in England. I like playing in midfield best but I don't always score goals from so far out."

Karl Duguid broke the deadlock ten minutes before the interval with a volley after being found unmarked by Andy Taylor.

Bajraktaraj then doubled the advantage before Craig Farley headed home Tony Lock's left-wing cross at the far post.

Steve McGavin completed the rout three minutes from time after Farley's lob bounced down off the crossbar.

Whitton added: "All the lads got something from the game. We basically put two teams out and it's not often you get the chance to do that so it was a useful exercise."

Defender Alan White, who joined the U's from Luton Town last week, played in the first-half while Whitton's other summer signing, Simon Clark, featured after the break.

There were also appearances for youngsters Lee Kersey, Dean Morgan and Lloyd Opara, the younger brother of first-team striker Kelechi.

Mick Stockwell, former Ipswich Town midfielder, watched from the sidelines. He is training with the U's again this week after being released from Portman Road.

Nigerian defender Efe Sodje, who played for the U's last season, has joined Crewe Alexandra on trial.

Witham Town were beaten 4-0 by Chelmsford City in a pre-season friendly at Spa Road on Saturday.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.