COLCHESTER United's very young under-18 squad were beaten 6-1 at Millwall in Professional Development League Two, writes BRIAN WALLER.

After a very good 3-3 draw at home to then leaders Ipswich Town last week, things did not start too well for Chris Llewellyn's side as they made the journey down into Bromley, in Kent.

Indeed, it was to be a very testing first half for Colchester who were behind after a couple of minutes, three down after 20 minutes and five behind by half-time.

At just 1-0 down, Jake Hutchinson forced a defensive error but his shot went just wide.

It did improve after the interval for Colchester as things were a lot more even and they had some reasonable possession.

But the hosts probably should have scored more than the one that put them 6-0 ahead as both George Alexander and Harry Taylor completed hat-tricks.

However there was to be a consolation goal for the visitors as Sam Cornish put the ball in behind the home defence for Hutchinson to get in and he finished well with a low right foot shot into the bottom corner of the net.

There were a few bright spots for the U’s as Tom Stagg played well, working hard and on another day could have scored at least once and there were also some good saves by keeper Chandler Hallett.

However, it was always going to be a test against a physically stronger, bigger and older Millwall team who pressed the U's from the first whistle.

Colchester's youngsters host Southern section league leaders Cardiff City this Saturday in a league match and next month travel to play Stevenage, in the FA Youth Cup.

There was better news for Colchester's under-17s, who beat Hullbridge 5-0 in their Eastern Junior Alliance Cup match at Maldon and Tiptree FC.

Jake Hutchinson and Tom Stagg both scored twice, while Todd Miller also found the net.