DANNY Cowley said he was pleased with his Colchester United’s overall efforts following their 4-0 win at Heybridge Swifts, in their latest pre-season game.
Harry Anderson scored twice and Bradley Ihionvien, and Kien Connolly were also on target as the U’s claimed victory at Scraley Road, against their Essex Senior League opponents.
It was an experienced Colchester side that played the first half hour, before many of the club’s under-21 players took to the field for the final hour.
A great run-out and result.
Thank you for hosting us, @officialswifts 💙
0-4#ColU pic.twitter.com/SB38IAKHDl— Colchester United FC (@ColU_Official) July 17, 2026
Cowley told cu-fc.com: “We played two teams; the first team played the first 30 minutes, and I thought they were excellent.
“They played with a good energy, intensity, moved the ball well, and scored three great goals.
“We probably could have had two or three more [from the first team].
“I thought the second group – which was a lot younger – gave a really good effort and attitude.
“I thought we were a little erratic in our technical execution at times and consequently couldn’t quite find the same rhythm as in the first 30 minutes.
“I thought Max Jolliffe was excellent and it was good for Kien Connolly to get a goal. Also for that team to not concede, despite giving up a couple of chances we would prefer not to.
“I’d like to thank Heybridge Swifts. They’ve been incredible to us this summer.
“They’ve allowed us to use their facilities and really helped us out in our hour of need.
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“So thanks to them, but it was great to see so many of our supporters tonight.
“We’ve really missed them over the off-season.”
Colchester are back in pre-season action today when they visit Harlow Town (kick-off 3pm).
The U's players who featured for 30 minutes at Swifts will play for 60 minutes, at Harlow.
Colchester United: Trialist A (sub Trialist C, 46), Leake (sub Musanhi, 46), Terry (sub Kuffour Jnr, 33), Raggett (sub Newby, 33), Vincent-Young (sub Hunt, 46), Digby (sub Oni, 33), Iandolo (sub Jolliffe, 33), Payne (sub Harvey, 33), Anderson (sub Trialist B), Lisbie (sub Connolly, 33), Ihionvien (sub Evans, 33).
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