Owen Garvan played for an hour as Colchester United's under-23s crashed to a 5-0 home defeat against bottom side Bristol City, in Professional Development League Two.

The former Ipswich Town midfielder, who is yet to feature for the U's this season after suffering a leg injury in pre-season, made a welcome return at Florence Park.

But it was not enough to inspire Colchester who crashed to their first defeat in six league and cup fixtures against a vibrant Robins side, who chalked up only their second win of the season.

The game did not begin too well for the U's on a dull and drizzly afternoon as they went behind on 11 minutes.

A ball down the left saw Jacob Partridge lose out to Shawn McCoulsky who moved on and shot low into the far corner of the net.

It nearly got worse for Colchester when Dexter Peter shoved over Connor Lemonheigh-Evans in the box and the visitors were awarded a penalty.

But the Bristol City striker then slid the resulting spot-kick just wide of James Bransgrove's right-hand post.

However the reprieve was brief as two minutes later, the visitors made it 2-0.

After an initial shot had hit the underside of the bar, the ball was scrambled out and Diego de Girolamo was on hand to then drive the ball into the net.

Colchester's woes went from bad to worse soon after when Louis Dunne was forced off after being caught from behind in an aerial challenge and was replaced by Tariq Issa.

And as the visitors continued to dominate, Jake Andrews' header hit the crossbar.

But Bristol City extended their advantage four minutes into the second half when McCoulsky outjumped his marker to head into the net.

Colchester did have a couple of decent chances.

Dion Sembie-Ferris's header from Issa's corner hit the side netting and Issa's goalbound shot was blocked by Lloyd Kelly.

But Bransgrove made a superb save to push away De Girolamo's free-kick before Andrews and Bascome both hit the woodwork.

Bascome's shot was then blocked on the line before Charlie Harris converted the loose ball into the net.

Colchester's misery was complete with four minutes remaining.

Bransgrove saved from Dr Girolamo but could not hold the ball and McCoulsky completed his hat-trick to complete the Robins' win.

COLCHESTER UNITED: Bransgrove, Mulryne, Partridge, Peter, Wilson, Brown, Diaz Wright, Garvan, Sembie-Ferris, Dunne, Sheriff. Substitutes: Issa, Edge, Ocran, O'Donoghue, Williams.