BRISTOL CITY 3

COLCHESTER UNITED 1

Under-18 Professional Development League Two

A DAMAGING eight-minute spell in the first half proved crucial as Colchester United's under-18s were beaten at Bristol City.

Most of the serious action at the SGS College ground was in the first half.

And after Sam Pearson's header dropped just wide for the hosts, the striker put the Robins with a smart finish after 27 minutes.

The home team increased their lead three minutes later through Tommy Conway, who converted from the spot after Pearson was fouled in the area.

It was a bad eight-minute spell for the U’s as Pearson scored from a tight angle, ten minutes before half-time.

City went close again from Pearson soon after but his shot was saved and Ayman Bernacus's follow-up effort hit the bar.

Colchester did give themselves a glimmer of hope when a defensive mix-up saw the ball ricochet in off Callum Pearson for an own goal.

But with a comfortable half-time lead, the hosts looked to have a relaxed second half and Pearson was replaced at the interval by William Gould.

The first chance of the half saw Bernacus turn well but his effort was just over the bar.

On the hour, the U’s went close through Reuben Mudd but his shot was saved by home keeper William Buse.

Colchester made changes, with Alejanro Patino on for Josh Fouche before Tom Stagg replaced Mudd.

The U's did have a good chance to reduce the deficit with 11 minutes to go but Jake Hutchinson elected to take on the chance himself with support with him and his effort went wide of the target.

A minute from time, a shot was fumbled by Colchester goalkeeper Callum Coulter but Conway’s effort was cleared off the line, as Bristol City ran out winners.

Colchester United: Coulter, Wind, Fouche (sub Patino), Cracknell, Sayer, Cooke, Miller, Kennedy, Mudd (sub Stagg), Hutchinson, Bolt. Substitutes (not used): Collins, Parish, Thomas.