Sensational.

That was how Colchester United manager Paul Lambert described his side’s scintillating performance after watching them rip up the history books on the opening day of the new Coca-Cola League One season.

The U’s thrashed woeful Norwich City 7-1 in front of more than 25,000 at Carrow Road to record the biggest away league win in their 72-year history and inflict upon the Canaries their worst home defeat since their inception, 107 years ago.

It was also Colchester’s first opening day win since 2004, when they won 3-0 at Sheffield Wednesday and the first time they have scored seven goals or more since the 9-1 FA Cup victory over Leamington, in 2005.

Kevin Lisbie and Clive Platt both scored twice in the first half and David Fox also scored on his debut, as the rampant U’s went in 5-0 up at half-time.

And although former Witham Town striker Cody McDonald pulled a goal back for Norwich after half-time, further goals from substitutes David Perkins and Scott Vernon wrapped up Colchester’s emphatic win.

Lambert said: “I’ve watched football and been involved in it a long time but that was right up there.

“I said to them at half-time that it’s the best I’ve seen in years, as a player or a manager.

“I thought they were sensational – our performance was absolutely unbelievable.

“To win 7-1 is a phenomenal performance.

“We knew that this start to the season couldn’t be any tougher for us, against a side that has just come down from the Championship.

“But we looked a threat the whole time.”