Denny Johnstone's goalscoring exploits in pre-season will give him plenty of confidence, according to Colchester United head coach John McGreal.

Johnstone scored his third goal in as many friendlies tonight when he netted for the U's in their 2-0 win over a West Ham United XI, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

The former Birmingham City striker missed the final few months of last season with a knee injury but is looking sharp, something that pleases boss McGreal.

"Denny's in a little bit of form and it will give him tons of confidence.

"I thought he looked a real threat throughout the 70 minutes that he was on the pitch.

"Denny has had the three months out injured and he's worked ever so hard in the off season.

"You can see him getting fitter and fitter, with the games that we're playing."

Drey Wright was also on target for Colchester, who have won all four of their pre-season friendlies so far without conceding a goal.

"It was excellent - we know it's a vibrant, young West Ham team and we knew that we'd be in for a more technical game tonight," added McGreal.

"I thought our boys put in a terrific show and did the job and could have scored more.

"There were no ill effects apart from Tom (Eastman) who took a little wobble on his ankle, so we took him off as a precaution - we weren't taking any chances.

"The friendly games are different and that's what we wanted to do, to get a lot of different games in and get the boys who have been out injured more minutes under their belt which is great for us."