Goals from Daniel Pappoe and Freddie Sears helped Colchester United beat Maldon and Tiptree 2-1 in their latest pre-season friendly at a humid Park Drive this afternoon.

Craig Eastmond went close before Pappoe, on loan from Chelsea, struck in the 15th minute with a tidy low finish from the edge of the area, after captain Kem Izzet had picked him out in the area.

Colchester, who were managed by assistant boss Mark Kinsella, had much the better of the first half, with the likes of Izzet, Sanchez Watt and Jabo Ibehre all coming close to extending their lead before the break.

U's goalkeeper Mark Cousins had little to do prior to half-time but Maldon and Tiptree, of Ryman League division one north, improved after the break and began to ask questions of the U's defence.

They equalised early in the second half through Leon McKenzie, who lifted the ball past the on-rushing Cousins after the U's defence had been caught out by a long ball.

Sammie Szmodics almost bundled in from Brian Wilson's cross soon after and McKenzie hooked a spectacular shot over for Maldon, before Colchester restored their lead when Freddie Sears drilled the ball home, seconds after his deflected shot had come back off the woodwork.

Sears' fine curling shot sailed just wide and Ibehre's shot was brilliantly saved by keeper Richard Wray, as the U's sealed victory.

Colchester also sent a side to Maldon's Ryman League division one north rivals Needham Market and ran out 3-0 winners, thanks to goals from Marcus Bean, Gavin Massey and Clinton Morrison.