COLCHESTER United's youngsters survived a late push from hosts Millwall to win 3-2 secure a second victory of the season in Professional Development League Two.

The U's under-23s side, which featured first-team players Dillon Barnes and Ryan Gondoh, ran out winners in their south division clash at the New Den.

Millwall went into the game unbeaten in their last eight matches and Kevin Nugent included first-team players Jordan Archer, Conor McLaughlin, Byron Webster and Ryan Tunnicliffe in his starting XI.

But Kevin Horlock's side had the perfect start, scoring twice early on.

Louis Dunne, who is continuing his comeback from a serious knee injury, scored with a superb 25-yard free kick from the right of centre that beat home keeper Jordan Archer with just five minutes on the clock.

And two minutes later, Eoin McKeown cut inside Webster and fired home a low shot to double Colchester's lead.

Just after the quarter of the hour mark, Ken Charles tried his luck for Colchester but fired just wide.

At the other end, Webster shot over after 25 minutes from long distance, as things improved a bit for the Lions.

However a very good opening half for the visitors got even better as just before half-time when Tarique Hyde added a third, as the U’s broke and he swept the ball into the net.

Colchester went in with a three-goal lead at the interval but Millwall pulled a goal back when substitute Alexander's pressure enabled Harvey to lob U's keeper Barnes.

In the efforts to retrieve the ball quickly a scuffle ensued, which saw Dillon Barnes and Alexander booked.

Gondoh went close with an effort from the left, before U’s keeper Dillon Barnes' save from Olaofe preserved his team’s two-goal lead.

Colchester's Aaron Barnes was then booked for time wasting and Millwall further reduced the arrears eight minutes from time through Olaofe, who found space and scored from close range.

Millwall almost grabbed an equaliser with three minutes remaining when Alexander did brilliantly to worked himself some space but fired just wide, as Colchster ran out winners.