Colchester United under-21s beaten by Sheffield Wednesday

COLCHESTER United under-21s lost 3-0 at home to in-form Sheffield Wednesday in the Professional Development League, writes BRIAN WALLER.

The U's fell behind after seven minutes, in controversial circumstances.

Matt Yates seemed to cleanly to win the ball as he tackled Mackenzie Maltby in the area but the referee gave a penalty and although Ted Collins got a good hand to the spot-kick, Gui Siquera's effort went in.

It was a very cold and breezy night at the JobServe Community Stadium and a long kick forward by Collins was just too strong for the chasing home player.

On 24 minutes SIqueira shot from distance for the Owls but this flashed just wide, before a Hakeem Sandah cross-field pass was just too strong for Elkansh Akor.

Collins made a good save at his near post from left-back Sam Reed but the Owls then scored a very good second goal on 38 minutes as Reed crossed from the left and Bruno Fernandes scored with a back-post header.

Favour Onukwuli in space on the left shot straight at Collins and Siqueira just failed to convert from a set-piece, as the visitors pressed for more goals.

Colchester had probably their best chance of the game after the break when Oliver find Milton Oni who came back inside and tested the keeper.

But at the other end, Onukwuli was denied by Collins before the visitors then scored a third superb goal.

After a corner was partially cleared midway through the second half, Bruno Fernandes' half volley shot on the turn went in off the far post.

A tremendous effort by Onukwuli saw Collins again excelling saving away to his left, while Cook saw his effort blocked away for a corner as Colchester were beaten.

Colchester United U21: Ted Collins, Matt Yates, Bailey Berry, Frankie Edwards, Trialist, Max Jolliffe, Archie Oliver, Milton Oni, Ollie Godziemski (sub Kaleel Green), Hakeem Sandah, Elkanah Akor (sub Ryan Lowe). Subs (not used): Jack Sexton, Bayan Aman, Jet Dyer.