Sam Walker made a welcome return from injury as Colchester United won 4-1 at Ryman Premier new boys Needham Market in their latest pre-season friendly.

Goalkeeper Walker, who missed the vast majority of last season with a serious knee injury, made his first appearance since last August after playing the opening 45 minutes of the U's triumph.

After a goal-less first-half, all of the goals came after half-time, as Colchester fielded two separate teams in each half.

Sammie Szmodics hit a hat-trick and also won the penalty that Chris Porter converted, to put Colchester 4-0 ahead before Needham grabbed a consolation goal through Manny Osei.

Frankie Kent also played 45 minutes after missing the U's opening friendly against Maldon and Tiptree last weekend with a slight knee injury.

Colchester United (first half): Walker, Vincent-Young, Wyatt, Wynter, Elokobi, Lapslie, Loft, Guthrie, Sembie-Ferris, Dickenson, Johnstone.

Second half: Bransgrove, Brindley, Kent, Prosser, O'Donoghue, Slater, Garvan, Wright, Szmodics, Bonne, Porter.