Phil Brown’s side welcomed their Essex counterparts to Boots & Laces, and put in a strong display against the U’s.

The scoring was opened by Lee Barnard who converted confidently from the penalty spot after the referee had awarded a spot kick for holding in the box.

That was the striker’s first goal of pre-season, and he almost got a second shortly after only to be denied by a good save from the U’s shot stopper.

Blues doubled their advantage just after the restart when midfielder Will Atkinson, playing on the left-wing, finished well from 14-yards.

Myles Weston went close on two occasions, as he continued to impress in a striking role.

Both sides made a host of changes, with the U’s introducing former Blues right-back Sean Clohessy for the final 30 minutes.

The visitors pulled one back when a cross to the back post was met with a powerful header that Paul Smith was unlucky not to keep out.

That was how the scoring ended, with Blues going closest to a fourth goal of the game through a trialist.

Adam Thompson and Ryan Leonard both featured on their return from injury, while Paul Smith, Ben Coker, Luke Prosser, Kevan Hurst and Will Atkinson got 90 minutes under their belts.