Macauley Bonne scored a hat-trick as Colchester United's under-21s thrashed Barnsley 4-1, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

The U's maintained their fine start to the season with a comprehensive win over the Tykes, to stay top of the Professional Development League Two table.

Colchester got off to an explosive start and were 3-0 up after 12 minutes, thanks to two goals from Bonne and another from Jack Curtis.

Barnsley captain Paul Digby pulled a goal back for the visitors just after the hour mark but Bonne rounded off the U's win and his hat-trick before the end, as John McGreal's side continued their excellent start to the campaign.

The likes of Drey Wright, Tom Lapslie and Dion Sembie-Ferris also featured for the U's.

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