Colchester United's footballers were back on the training ground on Wednesday after losing by the only goal at Braintree in their latest pre-season friendly on Tuesday night.

Former U's star Robbie Reinelt netted the all-important first-half winner for the Iron, but U's boss Steve Whitton was not too disappointed by the result.

He said on Wednesday: "The conditions were extremely wet and very difficult, but we learned a lot about many of the players.

"It gave us another chance to have a good look at the triallists and the new shape we will be looking to play when the Second Division kick-off comes round in a few weeks' time.

"I want all my players to know exactly what their jobs are and what is expected of them once they get out on the pitch.

"We are still very open-minded about our approach and we will be discussing it fully and working on a few things again today."

Whitton added that although the U's lost at Cressing Road they were generally in control of the match and the home team only managed around three shots all night.

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