Colchester United fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Premier League new boys West Ham United in a pre-season friendly this afternoon.

Nicky Maynard gave the Hammers the lead and Mark Noble doubled their advantage soon after, to give the visitors the upper hand in front of a crowd of nearly 8,000 at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

But Anthony Wordsworth pulled a goal back for the U's just before half-time, after finishing well following good work by fellow midfielder John-Joe O'Toole.

There was little to choose between the teams in the second half but Freddie Sears, playing against his former club, felt he should have had a penalty when he appeared to be tripped by Guy Demel in the area and Drey Wright's shot clipped the outside of the post, late on.

See Monday's Gazette for a full match report and pictures and reaction to Colchester's game with West Ham United.