An unbroken partnership of 153 between Jason Gallian and Ravi Bopara inspired Essex to an eight-wicket victory with seven overs remaining at Chelmsford.

Middlesex lost two wickets in the first over of the match, Billy Godleman out for a golden duck to Graham Napier.

But Eoin Morgan launched five fours and six sixes in his 100 to lift the visitors to a total of 259-7.

Gallian then made 111 from 126 balls and Bopara struck eight fours and four sixes in a stylish 85 in 72 deliveries.

After Mark Pettini fell cheaply, Varun Chopra shared 96 in 18 overs with Gallian before he was stumped off Shaun Udal for 50.

Bopara should have followed shortly afterwards but Udal failed to hold a sharp return chance.

It proved costly as Bopara shared in a superb 21-over partnership.

Gallian was quick to pounce on anything loose and struck his second century of the Trophy campaign.

The 37-year-old, clearly relishing his first season at Essex following his move from Notts, has so far amassed 742 runs in all competitions at an average of 57.