In his first game back since a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a groin injury, Forster met a pass from Paul Brooker and he cut inside a challenge before firing past the goalie for Colchester.

It was 2 soon after the U's central defenders hesitated and Forster fired home to make it 2-0.

Then on 35 minutes, it was vintage football for the Royals as a Nicky Forster cross was met with a simple finish for goal scoring legend Shaun Goater.

3 became 4 when a cross by Bobby Convey was met by Bas Savage. Convey was being watched this afternoon by his national team Manager Bruce Arena.

Before half time, Paul Brooker got on the scoring act with a great goal. From a quick Jamie Young kick, Nicky Forster flicked the ball onto Bas Savage who drove down the wing before spotting the former Brighton winger who made it 5-0, and all of this before half time. Vintage stuff by Brian McDermott's men.

With the Royals winning comfortably, Australian goalie Adam Federici was introduced. The young Oz is currently on trial with the Royals.

But on 55 minutes, he conceded a goal after a good move from the Colchester team. It was to be the last goal of the afternoon for the Royals who would have got a good work out from the afternoon's match.

But the message from this afternoon's match is simple. Watch out the Championship, Nicky Forster is back!

Royals Team Vs Colchester

Young (Federici), Soares, Stapleton, Mullins, Rifat, Howell, Savage, Brooker (Hayes), Convey, Forster (Rendell), Goater (Cox).