COLCHESTER United's under-23s slid to a 2-0 defeat in this afternoon's Professional Development League contest at home to Crewe Alexandra.

Lewis Reilly's 39th-minute goal and a late Josh Lindstram penalty separated the sides at Florence Park.

Doug Loft, who is returning from a calf injury, was named in the U's team.

Colchester also handed starting spots to three trialists.

They were Noah Chesmain, a 20-year-old defender from Millwall, Callum Ellesley, a 19-year-old defender from Norwich City, and Tobi Coker, a 19-year-old midfielder from Barnet.

Today's match was the first of two home fixtures this week, for the U's under-23s.

Next up is a match against Bristol City, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Thursday (kick-off 7pm).

U's: Kurasik, Kpekawa, Chesmain, Coker, Ellesley, Will Wright, Gondoh, Loft, Jones, Ager, Sheriff.

Subs: Collins, Kensdale, Allarakhia, Chilvers, Wilson.