Colchester United manager John Ward said he was pleased with his side's showing after they fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of West Ham United this afternoon.

A crowd of nearly 8,000 were at the Weston Homes Community Stadium to watch the game, where goals from Nicky Maynard and Mark Noble gave the Hammers victory.

Anthony Wordsworth scored the U's goal just before half-time, with new signings Clinton Morrison, Marcus Bean and former West Ham player Freddie Sears all making their home bows for Colchester.

Ward said: "I was really pleased with the whole day, it was fantastic.

"We'd been looking forward to it for quite a while, since we knew we were playing against a Premier League side.

"The whole day has gone as I had hoped it would do.

"There was a big crowd and it was a good game of football.

"I have 20-odd players who have had some pitch time and I've got no extra injuries, which is fantastic.

"We got our goal at a good time and that helped to pick up everyone's confidence.

"We're two weeks into pre-season and we're moving the ball pretty well."

For a full match report, pictures and reaction to Colchester's game with West Ham, see Monday's Gazette.