BEN Garner feels Colchester United’s two friendlies against Ebbsfleet United were ‘the perfect afternoon’s work’ for his side as they continue their preparations for the new League Two season.

The U’s took on their National League hosts in two 60-minute matches, winning the first game 3-2 and the second match, 1-0.

Colchester fielded a total of 22 players over the course of the afternoon’s action at the Kuflink Stadium and head coach Garner was pleased with his squad’s workout.

READ MORE: Bradley Ihiovien bags winner in U's friendly win

He said: “It was a really good afternoon – they were both tough games.

“It was a really tough pre-season match and I think Ebbsfleet are going to do really well, this season.

Gazette:

“They’ve got good players, they’re very structured in the way they play and they play good football.

“It was the perfect afternoon’s work for us.”

Both friendly matches were competitive affairs, with a total of seven yellow cards shown over the course of the two 60-minute matches.

READ MORE: Samson Tovide scores fine hat-trick in U's friendly triumph

Ebbsfleet defender Joe Martin was sent off near the end of the first game after picking up two bookings and U’s boss Garner admits things got a little feisty, at times.

“There was probably a bit more spice than we’d have wanted, to be honest,” said Garner.

“It was competitive; you want it to be a proper game and it was.

Gazette:

“It looked like a normal season game.

“Everyone has come through it well; there were some good moments and some really good individual performances.

“It was definitely a big step up on last week (at Maldon and Tiptree), so we’re moving in the right direction.”

READ MORE: Ebbsfleet United v Colchester United - as it happened

Samson Tovide bagged an impressive hat-trick in Colchester’s first game against Ebbsfleet, which they won 3-2.

Garner added: “It was great for Samson to get the hat-trick.

“He was a handful, he really was.

Gazette:

“He took his goals exceptionally well and he showed really good composure with them.

“We created lots of opportunities – we were a little bit soft with the goals we conceded and we can definitely polish up on that but all in all, really pleased with what we’ve put together today.”

Colchester’s next pre-season friendly is against League One new boys Stevenage, in a game that will be played at St Neots Town FC next Tuesday, kick-off 7.30pm.