If Colchester United's fans need a reason to look forward to this season's campaign, then look no further than Lomana Tresor Lua Lua.

The 20-year-old youth team prodigy dazzled and delighted on a balmy summer's evening to prove to the Layer Road faithful last season's dramatic entrance into League football was no flash in the pan.

And it was his strike which should have wrapped up this pre-season friendly but for a momentary lapse of concentration deep in the second half which saved First Division Norwich's blushes.

The visitors hit a post early on but it was Lua Lua who turned up the heat just before the break.

His spectacular overhead kick provided a reminder of last season's form and he was back in action moments later when he jinked his way inside the box but drove straight at Norwich keeper Andy Marshall.

With Brian Launders - playing just behind the front two of Lua Lua and Jamie Moralee - orchestrating much of the U's forward play, it was a polished performance from Wadsworth's new-look side.

Launders, in particular, linked up well with Lua Lua and his experience from his days with Premiership Derby County provided an edge.

It was his neat touch on the edge of the box which provided Lua Lua with the inspiration to fire Colchester in front after 48 minutes.

His elegant finish left Marshall floundering and it was no more than they deserved.

They might have added a second when Joe Keith, who impressed at left-back, side-footed over the bar with the goal at his mercy.

Another of Wadsworth's close-season signings, Sagi Burton, looked at home in a sweeper's role, although it was a momentary lapse in concentration in defence which allowed Norwich to steal a 75th minute equaliser.

They were caught flat-footed when Paul Dalglish touched on a left-wing cross and Darel Russell stabbed the ball home from close range.

MATCH LINE-UP

U's: Brown (sub Parkin 46), Forbes, Keith, Williams (sub Webster 65), Greene, Burton, Pinault (sub Dozzell 46), Duguid (sub Wilkins 46), Moralee (sub Germain 60), Launders (sub Pinault 73), Lua Lua.

Norwich: A Marshall, Sutch (MacKay 67), Fuglestad (sub Llewellyn 67), Carey (sub de Blassis 46), Fleming, Jackson, L Marshall (sub Russell 67), Dalglish, Roberts, Mulryne, Eadie (sub Bellamy 67).

Referee: Mr A. D'Urso (Billericay)

Attendance: 2,137

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.