Brett Pitman's first-half strike was enough to give Ipswich Town a 1-0 win over Colchester United in tonight's pre-season friendly.

Pitman pounced on Paul Digby's long pass from defence and took the ball past U's keeper Sam Walker before slotting into the empty net six minutes before the break, to give Town a narrow win.

Colchester head coach John McGreal told the Daily Gazette: "It was a really good exercise.

"I think a lot of the boys got 70 minutes and apart from the goal, I was pleased with the defensive aspect of the game.

"But the most important thing for me was minutes and no injuries.

"The goal was brought up at half-time, because I do think people need to be reminded of it but it was a solid, disciplined performance from everyone.

"I was really pleased with that aspect and at the other end, we've asked our two side men to supply crosses and they've put quite a few in with good delivery and in good areas."

Colchester fans got a glimpse of all of their summer signings, with Luke Prosser, Brennan Dickenson, Doug Loft, Craig Slater, Denny Johnstone and Kurtis Guthrie all featuring.

Dickenson went close for Colchester in the first half, while substitutes Chris Porter and Alex Wynter almost equalised for the U's before the end, as John McGreal's side continued their pre-season preparations.

Former Aston Villa left-back Lewis Kinsella, who is currently on trial with the U's, played for more than an hour of the game.

Ipswich's win saw them lift the reintroduced Alderton Trusler Cup, which was played for between the two teams for charity.

For a match report and pictures from tonight's game, see Thursday's Daily Gazette.