COLCHESTER United head coach John McGreal believes his side can take heart and confidence from their positive display against Crystal Palace.

The Eagles, last season’s beaten FA Cup finalists, grabbed the only goal of the game through midfielder Jordon Mutch, in Monday's pre-season friendly at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

However, McGreal's men more than held their own and left the pitch feeling disappointed not to have at least been level, in terms of goals.

"We've handpicked games for pre-season and from the matches we've had, that was obviously our strongest test," said the U's boss, who takes his side to Southend United for another friendly on Saturday.

"They are Premier League and look at the players they brought. It was a strong team.

"It complements our boys and to put in a good shift was very pleasing.

"Over 90 minutes, we had the better chances and I know they are a week behind us, but it can give our boys a lot of confidence.

"We did some work to adapt to what a Premier League club would bring and it took a while to get into that but, from then on, I thought we were quite comfortable.

"We counter-attacked quite well and there were opportunities where we should have been scoring, to be honest.

"I'm sure that will come as we draw towards the start of the season, but it's pleasing that we've been getting opportunities against top-class opposition.

"We challenged the players to get clear-cut chances and that's what they did.

"The next challenge is to put them in the net."

McGreal admitted being more than happy in terms of his squad's overall preparations for the new season.

The U's begin their League Two campaign at Hartlepool United on Saturday week.

The Southend game is their last friendly and Monday's match came hot on the heels of other fixtures against the likes of Ipswich Town and Chelmsford City.

"I'm pleased with where we are in our preparations," said McGreal.

"The games we arranged have given us different tests, like the one against Crystal Palace.

"They're a very organised team and I felt it was a disciplined performance from us.

"You get a lot of fitness work from games like that.

"So I'm quite comfortable and pleased with where we are at the moment.

"The fitness levels and the performance levels over the last two games, especially, have been good.

"The plan is to hit the ground running in that first game of the season but then all clubs have the same plan.

"We all want to have a good start, but hopefully the work we've done in pre-season will lead us to that.

"The proof will obviously be in the pudding on that first day but the boys know what we're looking for.

"The six new signings we've got in know where we are, how we play and how we try to do things at the club."