Colchester United recorded their first win under new boss John McGreal after registering a well-deserved 2-0 victory over Cambridge United this afternoon.

Goals from home debutants Brennan Dickenson and substitute Denny Johnstone gave the hosts victory at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, their first in League Two.

U’s head coach McGreal made one change to his starting line-up for their game against Cambridge.

Dickenson was handed his first league start for the U’s on the left flank, with Craig Slater the man to drop out from the side that started on the opening day at Hartlepool United.

Slater was among the substitutes but there was no place on the bench for Frankie Kent, George Elokobi or Macauley Bonne.

Just as they had at Hartlepool United in their League Two opener las week, Colchester started brightly.

They were ahead in the eighth minute when Dickenson’s excellent effort flew inside the far post, after the hosts had pounced on goalkeeper Will Norris’s poor clearance.

Only a fine save by Norris two minutes later prevented Sammie Szmodics’ swerving effort from 20 yards from doubling Colchester’s lead.

It was a really positive start from the U’s, creating chances and testing the keeper Norris.

But the hosts were given a warning in the 16th minute when goalkeeper Sam Walker made a diving save low to his right to foil Joe Pigott from point blank range, after Sean Long’s throw had caused confusion in U's area.

Nevertheless, Colchester looked lively and full of ideas when they attacked in the first half, using their wide players to full effect in a fluid formation.

Indeed, the hosts were often first to the ball and sharper than their opponents, dispossessing them on several occasions.

Cambridge’s performance prompted their manager Shaun Derry to make two substitutions before a ball was kicked in the second half, in a bid to get his side back into the game.

But Colchester almost doubled their lead in the opening stages of the second half when Cambridge defender Leon Legge nearly diverted Porter’s low cross into his own net, following a swift break by the hosts.

Former U’s attacker Medy Elito was sent on just before the hour by Cambridge, as they went in search of an equaliser.

And he almost found one for them when his free header clipped the top of the crossbar.

But Colchester continued to make chances for themselves, with Norris making a fine save to parry away Porter's fierce effort midway through the second half.

And McGreal's side finally doubled their lead with eight minutes remaining through Johnstone, who nodded home Dickenson's precise cross from close range after good play by substitute Doug Loft had got the move started.

For five pages of coverage of Colchester’s game with Cambridge, see Monday’s Daily Gazette.