Colchester United's reserves fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Luton Town this afternoon - but still clinched the Football Combination northern division title.

The U's won the league on goals scored, despite a disappointing display against the Hatters at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Colchester, who featured the likes of Matt Heath, Ashley Vincent and Ben Coker, almost went ahead after 34 seconds when Freddie Ladapo glanced a header wide from a good position from Tom Bender’s accurate cross.

Drey Wright unleashed a low shot which flew just wide of the post and Ladapo scuffed a shot past the post for the U's.

But Luton took the lead nine minutes before half-time when Alasan Ann’s pass fed Dan Walker in the area and he made no mistake with a powerful shot which left Colchester goalkeeper Shaun Phillips with no chance.

Bender limped off injured before the break and the U's fell further behind, with the second half just 48 seconds old.

JJ O’Donnell’s dart in the area initially saw Walker’s shot blocked by a defender but the Luton forward made no mistake with the rebound to give the visitors a 2-0 lead.

Ladapo fired well wide for Colchester before Coker pulled a goal back with four minutes to go with a fine right-foot finish from just inside the area.

Substitute Tosin Olufemi headed over at the far post from Coker's deep cross late on but the U's could not force an equaliser.

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