COLCHESTER United's under-23s are still looking for their first point in this season's Premier League Cup group stages after losing 5-0 at home to Fulham, writes BRIAN WALLER.

The U’s held their own for much of their fifth group game in the competition before the visitors ran away with it late on, at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Former Southampton right-back Richard Bakary was given another chance to impress on trial, while Percy Kiangebeni played for the first time since signing a professional deal with the club.

Colchester fell behind after 16 minutes when Nicolas Santos Clase lifted the ball over goalkeeper Ethan Ross's head and in, after Matthew O’Riley had picked him out.

Moritz Jenz flew just wide as the visitors threatened a second while at the other end, Kiangebeni’s shot on the turn was diverted away after some good Colchester build-up.

The U's almost equalised just before half-time when Louis Dunne's fine pass got Ken Charles in behind the defence but he was denied as keeper Luca Ashby-Hammond made a good save at his near post.

Colchester went in at the break behind and early in the second half, they were again denied an equaliser when Ashby-Hammond turned away Dean Ager's shot on the turn.

Ollie Sims' shot was blocked away for a corner soon after but Fulham doubled their lead just after the hour through left-back Cody Drameh, who coolly swept a shot low to the left of keeper Ethan Ross after Mattias Kait had cut the ball back.

Ross tipped Clase's cross away but Fulham further extended their lead with 13 minutes remaining when Clase latched onto a long ball and evaded both Ross and Bakary before slipping the ball into the net.

Ross blocked Tyrese Francois's before with seven minutes to go, Tayo Edun linked with Kait and his pass inside saw O'Riley drive into the box and find the far corner of the net.

And Fulham wrapped up their win three minutes later through Kait, who capitalised to score after a Colchester defender was caught in possession on the edge of his own box.

Colchester United U23: Ross, Bakary, Agboola, Kensdale, Clampin, Ager (sub Anderson, 84), Wright, Dunne, Sims (sub Chilvers, 60), Charles, Kiangebeni (sub Hassanally, 60). Subs (not used): Coulter, Cracknell.