MARLEY Marshall Miranda scored twice as Colchester United's under-21s thrashed Cheshunt 5-0 in their final pre-season friendly on Saturday, writes BRIAN WALLER.

Matthew Etherington's side recorded a very big win against their Pitching In Isthmian League Premier opponents, at Maldon and Tiptree FC.

Goalkeeper Tom Smith made his first appearance as a permanent Colchester player, following his arrival on a two-year deal last week.

 

Colchester began the match well and on eight minutes, Donell Thomas hit a post after a good run.

The U's were ahead two minutes later; it was an outstanding team goal that saw Kaan Bennett set up Miranda to score the opener after ten minutes.

Midway through the half and Chay Cooper took a quick free-kick to try and catch out the away keeper but the former Spurs youngster's shot went just wide.

Gazette: Chay Cooper

Just past the half hour mark, another excellent move saw a great pass by Cooper send Oscar Thorn clear.

The former Norwich City academy player clear broke through to score, with his shot going in off a post.

Defender Ronny Nelson was booked for a late challenge late in the first half, but Colchester went 3-0 ahead just after half-time when Kaan Bennett netted the third.

Just after the hour mark, Bennett was replaced by Kaleel Green and three minutes later it was Jake Hutchinson on for Thorn.

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A minute after that, Colchester were awarded a penalty which Hutchinson duly despatched after 67 minutes.

Colchester goalkeeper Smith then made a great save before another superb run by Thorn set up Miranda for the fifth, as Colchester eased to victory.

Colchester U21: Tom Smith, Matt Yates, Ronny Nelson, Jet Dyer, Oscar Thorn, Trialist, Gene Kennedy, Chay Cooper, Marley Marshall-Miranda, Donell Thomas, Kaan Bennett. Subs (used): Kaleel Green, Jake Hutchinson. Subs (not used): T'aizo Marcel Dilaver, Bayan Aman, Kennedy Mupomba, Ted Collins.