Tom Lapslie played for more than an hour on his return from injury as Colchester United's under-21s were beaten 3-2 by Crystal Palace at Florence Park this afternoon.

Lapslie, who has been sidelined with a groin injury over recent weeks, played for 65 minutes of the U's Professional Development League Two clash.

The 20-year-old midfielder has not featured in a competitive match for the U's since playing in their FA Cup win at Wealdstone, more than two months ago.

The likes of Macauley Bonne, Drey Wright and Dion Sembie-Ferris also featured for John McGreal's side.

Colchester took the lead through Femi Akinwande but Palace drew level before half-time.

Tosin Olufemi restored the U's lead on the hour but Palace hit back with two goals in the closing stages of the game, to inflict a first defeat of 2016 on the U's under-21 side.

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