Colchester United completed their pre-season with a 1-0 win at Blue Square Bet North side Bishop’s Stortford this afternoon.

Drey Wright’s fine individual goal scored in the 18th minute proved the difference between the two sides in the friendly at Woodside Park.

Wright’s neat footwork allowed him to advance towards the edge of the area before planting an excellent low shot into the far corner and past the outstretched hand of keeper Ross Kitteridge.

Freddie Sears’ fine effort from the edge of the area whistled past the far post soon after, before Colchester came even closer to doubling their lead midway through the half.

Henderson’s fine piece of skill just in front of the area allowed him to control Rose’s cross-field pass and unleash a half volley which flew towards goal and rattled the post.

Only Johnny Herd’s timely block prevented Freddie Ladapo from converting from close range just before half-time, as the U’s went in at the break in dominant mood.

U’s boss John Ward made six substitutions at half-time and that disrupted Colchester’s rhythm somewhat.

Goalscoring opportunities were not as forthcoming in the second half, although Colchester still looked relatively comfortable against the Blues.

However, there was concern over left-back Ben Coker, who was forced off with a leg injury just 11 minutes after coming on as a substitute.

The U’s should have had a penalty midway through the second half when keeper Kitteridge clattered into Wright in the area.

But Carl Pentney was forced into his first meaningful save with ten minutes to go when he stopped a shot from former U’s striker Craig Arnott with his legs.

It helped Colchester go on to claim victory and complete their pre-season on a winning note.

For a full match report and reaction to Colchester’s pre-season friendly at Bishop’s Stortford, see Monday’s Gazette.