Second-half goals from Gavin Massey and Clinton Morrison gave Colchester United a 2-0 victory over Conference South side Bishop’s Stortford at a sultry Woodside Park this afternoon.

The U’s made it four wins out of four in their pre-season friendlies, as Joe Dunne fielded the vast majority of his first-team squad against the Blues.

Colchester almost took a second-minute lead when Marcus Bean’s low shot came back off the post, from John-Joe O’Toole’s pass.

And at the other end, U’s keeper Mark Cousins had to be alert to claim the ball at the feet of Blues striker Cliff Akurang.

Jabo Ibehre fired into the side-netting for the U’s and Freddie Ladapo had an effort ruled out for offside, as Colchester enjoyed plenty of possession.

The sides went in goal-less at the break and Cousins did well to save from Ryan Prestege, in the opening minutes of the second half.

But Colchester took the lead seven minutes after half-time when Gavin Massey finished coolly with only goalkeeper Joe Wright to beat, after good build-up play between youngsters Michael O’Donoghue and Tosin Olufemi.

Colchester began to carve out more chances after that, as both sides made wholesale changes to their sides in the heat.

Stortford’s substitute goalkeeper Ashley Harris denied Jabo Ibehre, Jordan Sanderson and Andy Bond and Sanchez Watt drilled a low shot past the far post, as the U’s pressed for a second.

And it arrived with 14 minutes to go through Clinton Morrison, who slotted home from the spot after Kem Izzet had been brought down in the area by Luke Milbourne.

With eight minutes to go, Brian Wilson’s shot clattered against the woodwork and Drey Wright also went close before the end for the U’s, for whom victory was well-deserved.

For a full match report and reaction to the U’s game at Bishop’s Stortford, see Monday’s Daily Gazette.