COLCHESTER United under-18s beat Millwall 3-1 in the Professional Development League, writes BRIAN WALLER.

Elliott Ward's side got off to a great start when they were awarded a penalty after four minutes, after a home player was unceremoniously knocked to the floor in the area.

Trialist B confidently put away the spot-kick.

Soon after that, Rash Drysdale saw his deflected shot saved and as the visitors broke well, the left winger got into the box but there was some superb covering back by Ronnie Harvey.

One of Colchester's trialists attempted to break down the right but the Lions number six managed to escape punishment, as he grabbed the home striker's shorts.

After a nice one-two, the Millwall left-back saw his shot saved by Jack Sexton while Elkanah Akor's high cross into the box saw the away keeper struggle to tip it around the post.

The away winger once more was a threat but he was crowded out as a goal-kick resulted before right on half-time, Colchester scored again.

Burak Sabah helped the ball on and Owen Moore turned smartly before putting the chance away.

After the interval, Colchester remained on top and Harvey's pass nearly put Drysdale in on goal.

Moore with a good run sent the ball out to the right for Drysdale but his cross in saw trialist B not get much on the shot.

Drysdale went to go around the keeper but was unable to get a decent shot away.

On the hour, Sexton saved well from the Millwall centre-back before the U's scored again.

Moore enjoyed a great run down the left and he cut along the byline before cutting the ball back for Drysdale to score, on the hour mark.

A nasty challenge on Moore by the right-back saw him take off the home player's boot before Millwall pulled a goal back on 81 minutes, through their trialist.

In the closing stages, a quick pass from the midfield saw Sasere in on goal but the keeper blocked well, as Colchester claimed victory.

Colchester United U18: Jack Sexton, Elkanah Akor, Herbie Shaw (sub Lennox Emery), Fela Abidkun, Trialist A, Rash Drysdale, Ronnie Harvey, Daniel Banjoko, Burak Sabah (sub James), Trialist B (sub Leo Makatta), Owen Moore.