CONOR Wilkinson scored twice as Colchester United's under-21s won 2-1 at Charlton Athletic in the Professional Development League this afternoon, writes BRIAN WALLER.

The likes of Will Greenidge and Tom Smith also featured for Matty Etherington's side, as they claimed victory at the Valley.

There was an early problem for Colchester as Greenidge took a blow to the face and needed treatment. Then on 17 minutes the first chance of the game as Addicks' Tyreece Campbell shot from distance which Smith held onto.

Greenidge was then replaced four minutes later after a challenge with Bailey Berry on for him.

Wilkinson then tested the home keeper Prince Adegoke who held on well.

Just before the break, the U's took the lead as Wilkinson, who was returning from injury, scored with a header on 40 minutes to give Colchester a half-time lead.

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Three minutes after the interval the lead was preserved by a Smith save before both teams scored, soon after.

First after an Archie Oliver shot was saved by Adegoke, Wilkinson was on hand to put away the rebound on 51 minutes.

Then after Kazenga Lua Lua found Tayo Edun he scored with unstoppable curled effort, three minutes later.

Both teams then made changes as Patrick Casey replaced Chibike Chechukwu for Charlton before Donnell Thomas replaced Kai Martin for Colchester.

The U's sent on Kennedy Muoomba for the trialist before in he first minute of stoppage time, Smith made an unbelievable save to secure the U's under-21s' first away success since the opening game of the season when they won 3-0 at Peterborough United.

Colchester United: Tom Smith, Will Greenidge, Frankie Edwards, Ryan Lowe, Jet Dyer, Archie Oliver, Max Jolliffe, Kai Martin, Conor Wilkinson, Trialist, Oscar Thorn with. Subs: Bailey Berry, Kennedy Mupomba, Kaleel Green, Donnell Thomas, Ted Collins.

Charlton Athletic: Prince Adegoke Matthew Dench, Nazir Bakrin, Keenan Gough, Kai Enslin, Panuche Camara, I Watson, Tayo Edun, Kazenga Lua Lua, Chibike Chechukwu, Tyreece Campbell. Subs: Jude Sadler, Seydil Toure, Ryan Huke, Tolu Ladapo, Patrick Casey.