Report: Colchester United U18s 2-0 Bristol City U18s

Trevor Challis’ side enjoyed the better of the play in the first half and should have taken the lead on two occasions.

First they were awarded a penalty for handball after good work from Ricardo Rees, only for Cameron Allen to see his spot-kick saved before the rebound was ballooned over the crossbar.

Then Theo Llewellyn’s cross was converted by Rees with a sweet sidefoot volley, but the offside flag incorrectly cut short City celebrations.

To make matters worse, the hosts went in front against the run of play in first-half stoppage time when Tom Carlton curled a free kick into the top corner.

City had plenty of possession after the interval, but were unable to break down a solid home team who now had a lead to protect.

As the clock ticked down, the young Robins were punished for chasing an equaliser when Colchester made the game safe with a second goal on the counter-attack.

City Under-18s: Carey, Durrent-Williams, Akpobire, Morton (Barry), Parsons, Turner, Harvey Smith, Llewellyn (Mortimer), Harry Smith, Allen, Rees.