COLCHESTER United’s under-21s will attempt to boost their chances of a runners-up finish today when they host fellow high-fliers Millwall at Florence Park.

The U’s youngsters head into their game against the second-placed Lions on the back of a good run of form and beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, on Monday night.

Colchester and Millwall, along with Cardiff City, currently sit level on 47 points – nine points behind leaders Charlton Athletic - in the Professional Development League Two table.

The U’s sit fourth on goal difference but victory in this afternoon’s game, which kicks off at 2pm, will enhance their chances of securing runners-up spot with three games of the season remaining.

However, U’s under-21 coach John McGreal is expecting a difficult test.

McGreal said: “It’ll be a tough game.

“They played on Monday but so did we and we’ll have to patch a few up, because they’re out on their feet.

“They’re second and we’re fourth but we’re all on the same points.

“I don’t know if it’ll be a great spectacle because I know both teams will know what’s at stake.

“We’ll try and regroup the boys over the next couple of days and go again.

“It’s about development – that’s our prime position here.

“It’s about developing players for the first team and if the wins bring us closer to results, then fantastic.

“It’s great for the club to be recognised with the youth system that they’ve got.”

Colchester’s under-21s will head into their game against Millwall in good heart, following their 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

Macauley Bonne netted in each half to give the U’s a valuable victory and secure them ten points from a possible 12, in their last four matches.

McGreal said: “Nottingham Forest came with a decent team and we know about them in their league.

“We knew that we had to put in a good performance and I thought the boys did that.

“It was a tough game and the lads were tired at the end.

“We created some really good chances throughout the game.

“They started quite well in the second half and changed their shape so we flipped our shape to match their one.

“The boys just want to play football.

“They know where they are in the league and when they do get that one or two-goal lead, they’re starting to manage the game a lot better than beginning of the season.”