New signing Dan Holman was on target as Colchester United won 4-1 at Brantham Athletic in their opening pre-season friendly.

Dominic Vose, Jabo Ibehre and Freddie Sears were also on the scoresheet for the U's against their Thurlow Nunn League premier division side, for whom Simon Mann grabbed a second-half consolation at Brantham Leisure Centre.

Joe Dunne fielded different sides in each half, as the Colchester manager ran the rule over his squad ahead of the big kick-off on August 9.

Dunne said: "It was exactly what we wanted, getting the players running around against different opposition and moving the ball.

"We saw a lot of good things and we're very grateful to Brantham for allowing us to play them.

"No matter what level you play at, it's always good for the players to be creating chances and scoring goals."

For a match report, pictures and reaction to the U's win at Brantham Athletic, see Monday's Daily Gazette.