SAMMIE Szmodics scored a hat-trick as Colchester United won 4-1 at Chelmsford City today.

The sides met in a pre-season friendly and it was the U's who opened the scoring through Macauley Bonne, on 19 minutes.

Chelmsford levelled early in the second half but Colchester regained their lead when Szmodics slid the ball home after beating two defenders.

He added a third after rounding the Clarets goalkeeper and slotting home on 81 minutes.

And he completed his treble three minutes from time, thanks to a clever effort that went into the net via the bar from 20 yards.