Colchester United's first game at the Weston Homes Community Stadium ended in a 2-1 defeat.

A late David Lopez penalty, awarded after youngster James Hammond had been adjudged to have fouled in the area, gave Spanish club Athletic Bilbao victory in the ramp-up friendly.

The game was often a bad tempered affair, with Murillo receiving his marching orders on the hour after tangling with the U's Kem Izzet.

The impressive Aduriz had earlier given Bilbao the lead.

But Scott Vernon cancelled the strike out 11 minutes before the break, converting from the penalty spot after Aldekoaotalora had handled Mark Yeates' rasping drive.

It looked as though Colchester would seal a draw against the La Liga side, but Lopez's late spot-kick won it for Bilbao.

Colchester manager Geraint Williams said: "It was a good workout for us.

"The main thing for us is Hartlepool on Saturday but Athletic Bilbao were good opposition for us."

For a report and pictures from the U's first game at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, see tomorrow's Colchester Gazette.