Dean McDonald, who had only signed from Inverness Caledonian Thistle, three days earlier, kicked off his career with a hat-trick.

Lee Tomlin struck twice before the break while Scott Mitchell opened the scoring and Michael Rankine sealed the rout from the penalty spot.

McDonald said: "I didn't play much first-team football last season. I took a step backwards and I need to get playing consistently.

"I believe my best position is playing off another striker 'in the hole'.

"I'm not an out-and-out goalscorer and I don't have great pace. But by being clever I can read situations and supply chances for my team-mates."

McDonald and Curtis Osano were the only Diamonds players to complete 90 minutes as Garry Hill fielded five summer signings and five trialists against the Essex minnows.

Former Luton Town right-winger Jamie McGuinness was brought on for the second half while Diamonds also used defenders Sagi Burton, Justin Roberts, Gareth Jelleyman and Michael Wilde.

Andy Burgess was taken off after a slight knock while Daryl Clare stayed on the sidelines.

Diamonds boss Hill was happy with the way his new-look squad had
performed together for the first time.

He said: "McDonald got a hat-trick but they all looked a threat pushing
forward, especially in the first half.

"It's always pleasing to score goals and get a run-out. It was important for everyone to have 45 minutes and some had a bit longer."

Full report is in Saturday's Evening Telegraph.

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