BEN Garner says Colchester United’s win over Maldon and Tiptree in their first friendly of the summer rounded off a productive week for his squad.

The U’s began their pre-season programme ahead of the forthcoming League Two campaign with a 4-0 triumph over their Pitching In Isthmian League division north opponents, at Park Drive.

Goals from Chay Cooper, Tom Dallison and Samson Tovide, along with an own goal, secured victory for Colchester, who gave 45 minutes to 22 of their players after fielding a different side in each half.

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U's head coach Garner said: “It was really pleasing.

“There was 45 minutes for everyone that took part and some good performances in there.

“Most importantly, there were no injuries and everyone came through it well.

“It finished off a good week for us.

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“The players have come back in good shape.

“We’ve had two strong training weeks now, one in Spain and one here.

“It was important to get the first 45 minutes into the legs and we’ll step up on that, next week.

“So far, so good – we’re really pleased with how it’s gone, so far.”

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Colchester have now been back in training for two weeks, following their summer break.

They began their preparations for the big kick-off with a trip to a training camp in Malaga.

“Spain was perfect, it really was,” said Garner.

“The hotel, the venue, the training centre, the facilities, the way the lads got together and mixed, it was perfect.

“It was a really good week and we’ve had a really good strong week after that, back at the training ground.

“As far as the first two weeks go, we’re really, really pleased.”

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Colchester’s players now have a full week of training at Florence Park, ahead of their friendly at National League new boys Ebbsfleet United next weekend.

Garner added: “Ebbsfleet are a good side.

“They play in a certain way which provides a different test for us, in pre-season.

“We’ll have a really strong week on the training ground again and step up the minutes into the players.

“We feel we’ve got a good pre-season planned and in place and hopefully it’ll go as we see it going and we’ll be ready to hit the ground running, at the start of the season.”