COLCHESTER United's under-23s will be hoping to bounce back this afternoon when they host Cardiff City, at Florence Park.

Kevin Horlock's side entertain the Bluebirds (kick-off) on the back of a 5-1 loss at Reading in the Premier League Cup, at Woking FC.

Diaz Wright, Ollie Kensdale and Ryan Gondoh have all been named in Colchester's under-23 squad, for this afternoon's game.

The U's took the lead at Reading after eight minutes thanks to a goal by Todd Miller.

However, Jack Nolan's headed goal got the Royals back on level terms, nine minutes before the break.

Reading then took the lead in the early stages of the second half and three goals in the last 20 minutes sealed their win, following two goals apiece by Adam Liddle and Josh Barrett.

Colchester's under-17s were beaten 3-1 at Birmingham City, in a friendly.

It was a good display by the U's and they were a little unfortunate to lose out to two late goals.

Birmingham took the lead with a good goal after 20 minutes but the U’s hit back and went close several times.

Lordon Akolbire down the right started to cause the home team a lot of problems and Andre Hasanally also began to have an influence as the game progressed.

Chances were created for Jake Hutchinson, with the home keeper making a couple of good saves from him.

Colchester equalised ten minutes before the interval through Hutchinson, who scored with a deflected effort after a goalmouth scramble.

It was 1-1 at the break and after the interval, the U's continued to create chances as they dominated the half.

When Birmingham did pose a threat, there was some strong defensive play by Akolbire and Josh Fouche while Marley Marshall and Sam Cornish began to dictate matters, in midfield.

With Tom Stagg on as a substitute he was able to support Hutchinson, as the home defence were now being unsettled.

Both players had good chances which they failed to take but Birmingham eventually won it late on.

They scored with an 88th-minute free-kick and with Colchester pushing for an equaliser, the hosts broke from a corner and scored again, to wrap up victory.