COLCHESTER United goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin believes “immense” competition for places is helping the squad flourish this summer.

The U’s continued their impressive pre-season with a 1-0 victory at National League South outfit Dartford on Saturday.

It maintained their winning run, coming on the back of wins against Maldon and Tiptree, Braintree Town and Colwyn Bay, and was perfect preparation with less than a fortnight until the new League Two season gets underway on August 4.

Player-coach Gilmartin played a key role in their latest success, making three first-half saves, and said: “We’ve got a fantastic squad.

“The manager has brought players in and you want them to gel quickly, which they have done.

“The lads are very fit, the standard and intensity in training has been brilliant and the competition for places across the pitch is immense.

“It’s bringing the best out of everyone and now we’ve got to apply ourselves for two more tough friendlies (before the season starts).

“Players have to perform and there were glimpses of what we’re capable of at Dartford.”

Colchester now switch their attention to Tuesday’s friendly against Championship side Millwall, at the JobServe Community Stadium.

They then host Gillingham on Saturday before kicking-off the new season at Notts County.

“Millwall will be a great test and one we’ll thrive on,” said 31-year-old Gilmartin, whose former clubs include Walsall, Watford, Yeovil Town, Crawley Town and Plymouth Argyle.

“That’s the standard of team we want to be playing at this stage in pre-season.

“Dartford gave a good account of themselves.

“There was a bit to do in the first half which, as a goalkeeper, was good.

“I wanted to be busy, especially when you’re trying to get minutes under your belt.

“But, as a team, there were a few things we need to look at defensively.

“Now it’ll be interesting to see where we’re at against a decent Championship side in Millwall.

“Pre-season has been ramped up from the start.

“You have to hit the ground running but now, in the latter stages, you’re looking at your big players to set the standard.”

Dubliner Gilmartin was involved in an unfortunate collision with Dartford striker Andy Pugh in the early stages of Saturday’s victory.

The home player had to be carried off on a stretcher and it has since been confirmed that he suffered a double break of his left leg.

“It was a poor touch from me (which led to the incident),” said Gilmartin.

“He (Pugh) came in wholeheartedly, to be fair to the lad, and it was a shin-to-shin contact.

“Unfortunately for him, he got the worst of it and I’ll be getting his details to send him my best wishes.

“Poor lad.

“My heart goes out to him because you don’t want to see a player go off on a stretcher.

“It’s very disappointing, especially in a pre-season friendly, but unfortunately it’s part of the game.”