COLCHESTER United under-21 coach John McGreal has praised striker Femi Akinwande for his recent performances after he maintained his electric scoring form.

The young striker scored both goals in the U’s impressive 2-0 win at Sheffield United in Professional Development League Two, on Monday.

Akinwande, who made his Football League debut with Colchester in their 3-3 draw with League One promotion-chasers Wigan Athletic last month, has netted four times in his last three games for the club’s under-21 side.

And McGreal says he has been suitably impressed by the former Millwall youngster’s performances and attitude since he arrived from Maldon and Tiptree, at the end of last year.

McGreal said: “Femi has been terrific – he’s been hungry to do well and he always plays with a smile on his face.

“He’s played for the first team and now he’s dropped back down to the under-21 set-up and scoring goals.

“Femi’s really impressed in the three or four months that he’s been in the building and if you’re playing with better players, you’ll improve.

“The Maldon and Tiptree link-up with our under-21 side has worked out well and it’s a success story so far.”

McGreal’s under-21s continued their impressive season by beating a Sheffield United side are top of the northern section of Development League Two and had gone into the match on the back of a 17-game unbeaten run.

Colchester, who fielded the likes of Macauley Bonne and Drey Wright, started brightly and had chances to score before Akinwande gave them lead on the half hour when he drilled a shot into the top corner.

It meant the U’s went in at the break ahead and Akinwande doubled their lead in the second half when he converted a low cross from close range.

Substitute Diego De Girolamo came close to scoring a consolation for the Blades late on when his shot struck a post but the U’s were worthy winners.

Colchester’s under-21s are in action again tomorrow afternoon when they host Watford at Florence Park, kick-off 1pm.

McGreal added: “We’re going to try and stay in and around the play-off places but there’s tough competition up there with the likes of Charlton Athletic, Millwall and Cardiff City.”