DANNY Cowley felt Colchester United’s behind-closed-doors meeting with Wycombe Wanderers was a ‘good workout’ for his players.

The U’s played two hour-long games against their hosts at the Chairboys’ training ground at Harlington, drawing 2-2 overall after a late goal by the League One side in the second game.

Colchester won the second game 2-1 thanks to goals from Bradley Ihionvien and Matt Jay, after the first match had finished 1-0 to Wycombe.

READ MORE: Colchester share the spoils with Wycombe in pre-season game

The U’s fielded different teams in each game against Wycombe and U’s head coach Cowley was pleased with the efforts of his players.

Cowley told CU-FC.COM: “Against the ball, some of our work was excellent.

“We played against a team who are one of the best teams in League One against the ball the way they press you with so much energy and power and they ask a lot of questions about you, so we learnt a lot about ourselves in possession.

“To come here and be 2-1 up with just a couple of minutes to go is really good.

“We got pegged back right towards the end but ultimately, it was a good workout.”

(Image: Richard Blaxall)

Cowley said Colchester’s players have had a tough week on the training ground as they build up for the big kick-off, on August 10.

“It’s been a good day for us and a good week,” said Cowley.

“They’ve worked really, really hard all week and we made it a great week, playing 120 minutes and we got a lot of football into a lot of players.

“They’ve come through pretty clean all round in terms of injuries, which is good.

“There was a lot to like.

READ MORE: Ben Goodliffe had been long-term target for Cowleys

“Always for us, we’re looking for physical returns and technical and tactical returns and we’re also trying to build a togetherness and a spirit and social dynamic.

“So, all those things, we’re keen to try to do, to influence and effect during pre-season.

“It’s been tough this week; they’ve had to really get together the boys.

“They’ve had to really help each other through and sometimes when you really push them, particularly on the training pitch and they’re all living it together then that naturally brings a spirit which is so important.”

(Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)

Striker Lyle Taylor missed the friendly at Wycombe due to the birth of his child.

Cowley added: "Lyle had a baby early Friday morning.

"I just want to send out our love to him and to Sophie, his partner.

"He sent us some pictures, which was good.

"He said he was shattered - I said this is only day one, kid!

"You might expect this for the next 21 years!

"We're really pleased for him and pleased for them."