Denny Johnstone's first-half strike proved only a consolation as Colchester United's under-23s were beaten 4-1 by Crewe Alexandra at the Weston Homes Community Stadium tonight.

Wayne Brown's side, which also featured the likes of Kane Vincent-Young and Alex Wynter, suffered their first home loss of the season in Professional Development League Two, after falling to defeat against Alex.

Colchester fell behind in the ninth minute when Callum Saunders' diving header left goalkeeper James Bransgrove with no chance.

But the U's were back on level terms five minutes later through Johnstone, who latched onto a long pass before firing decisively home.

However, Crewe regained their lead in the 17th minute when Saunders bagged his second goal of the game, following Daniel Udoh's low delivery.

And Colchester fell further behind four minutes before the break when Udoh netted, after Calum Bullock had picked him out.

The U's faced an uphill task to get back into the game in the second half.

And when Udoh bagged his second goal of the game with eight minutes remaining to give Crewe a three-goal cushion despite Bransgrove's fine attempts to keep him out, the U's were beaten.

COLCHESTER UNITED: Bransgrove, Vincent-Young, Peter, Wynter, Wyatt (sub James, 63), Harrison (sub Regis, 72), Diaz Wright, Edge, Sembie-Ferris, Johnstone (sub Sheriff, 82), Akinwande.

Substitutes (not used): Brown, Williams.