Colchester United conceded a stoppage-time goal to lose 1-0 to League One opponents Gillingham in the Checkatrade Trophy.

The Group B match looked destined for a draw until Max Ehmer curled home a 25-yard free-kick to win the contest for the Gills and leave the U's defeated, in front of a crowd of 684 at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Colchester boss John McGreal made six changes to his line-up from the side that had started their 1-0 league win at Yeovil Town, last Saturday.

There was a welcome first start for more than seven months for striker Kurtis Guthrie, while attacker Sanmi Odelusi was handed his first start for the U’s.

There were also recalls for Cole Kpekawa, Cameron James, Lewis Kinsella and Brandon Comley.

Craig Slater, who had not featured for Colchester since August 13 because of a hip injury, was on the bench along with Courtney Senior who also returned.

Gillingham, managed by caretaker boss Peter Taylor in the wake of speculation linking them with a move for Mansfield Town boss Steve Evans, included former Maldon and Tiptree striker Liam Nash among their substitutes.

Colchester registered their first meaningful effort of the contest when Sean Murray’s low long-range drive flew wide of the far post.

But Gillingham went close soon after through Elliot List’s low deflected shot that flashed inches wide of the far post, after Tom Eaves had flicked the ball into his path.

However, Colchester looked the more threatening of the two sides and Kinsella came close to giving them the lead midway through the first half when his powerful left foot strike well held low down by keeper Steve Arnold.

But the Gills were not without their chances and U’s keeper Sam Walker made a super save to palm away Sean Clare’s fine dipping 25-yard effort for a corner.

Mikael Mandron’s fierce 25-yard strike warmed Arnold’s gloves just before the break, as the sides went in at half-time level.

Guthrie successfully completed 45 minutes on his injury return and was replaced by Nicke Kabamba at the interval.

But Colchester almost fell behind just before the hour mark when Comley was caught in possession in his own half and Clare fed Eaves, only for the big striker to blast wastefully over the bar with only Walker to beat.

Darren Oldaker’s effort was deflected wide by Frankie Kent soon after and then had an effort well held by Walker, as the visitors went up a gear.

However, with 18 minutes remaining the U’s came close to scoring themselves when Sean Murray’s rasping effort flew just over from the edge of the area after Arnold had denied Odelusi from close range.

Eaves volleyed horribly over in the closing stages for the visitors before Ehmer fired in a free-kick, to leave Colchester beaten.