SAMMIE Szmodics scored a hat-trick as Colchester United won 4-1 at Chelmsford City on Saturday.

The sides met in a pre-season friendly at the Melbourne Community Stadium and it was the U’s who opened the scoring through Macauley Bonne.

The striker broke the deadlock after lifting the ball into the net, after a low cross into the area on 19 minutes.

James Bransgrove pulled off a good save from Billy Bricknell to preserve the visitors’ lead and then, at the other end, Bonne nearly added a second, after good work by Craig Slater.

However, trialist goalkeeper Joe Welch saved with his legs for the Clarets, who are managed by former Braintree Town boss Rod Stringer.

Chelmsford, who had won all four of their previous friendlies going into the match on Saturday, then levelled early in the second half.

Luke Daley smashed home on the volley to cap a bright start to the second half.

However, Colchester soon regained their lead through Szmodics.

The midfielder slid the ball home after beating two defenders.

He then added a third after getting behind the Clarets back-line, rounding Welch and slotting home on 81 minutes.

And he completed his treble three minutes from time, thanks to a clever effort that went into the net via the underside of the bar from 20 yards.