TOM Lapslie continued his injury comeback as Colchester United's under-23s were beaten 2-0 by Bristol City this afternoon, writes BRIAN WALLER.

The midfield dynamo, who has recently been sidelined with a knee injury, got 90 minutes under his belt as the U's were beaten in their latest Professional Development League game, at the JobServe Community Stadium.

The likes of Miles Welch-Hayes, Ryan Clampin and Ollie Kensdale also featured for Richard Hall's side.

Former U's loanee Freddie Hinds had an effort on goal in the opening seven minutes for the Robins with a shot on the turn that sailed well over the bar.

And at the other end, Lapslie's 25-yard left-foot effort flew just wide of the near post.

Vince Harper curled a shot wide of the far post for Bristol City and Colchester keeper Bailey Vose made an easy save to deny Hinds' 25-yard effort.

At the other end, Dean Ager curled an effort high over the keeper but wide of the far post and Michael Fernandes was also off target with a shot, as the U's pressed.

Hinds went close for the Robins when he fired just wide of the post and then forced Vose to tip over his snap shot from just inside the box.

Bristol City had a great opportunity to take the lead when they won a penalty after Miguel Scarlett barged into the back of Harper but from the resulting spot-kick, Hinds hit the right-hand post.

Buoyed by the let-off, Fernandes curled a great attempt just wide from Clampin's lay-off for Colchester as the sides went in level at half-time.

But the U's fell behind five minutes after half-time when Zac Smith curled a shot into the net after being found by Hinds, who had pounced on Vose's poor clearance.

And Bristol City doubled their lead almost immediately through Hinds, who broke into the box before putting the chance away after Lapslie had given the ball straight to him.

Vose saved Hinds' shot as the visitors pushed for more goals and the U's received a let-off when Louis Britton hit a shot against the right post after finding himself in on goal.

Colchester's misery was complete in injury-time when Scarlett was dismissed after putting a hand on his opponent in a melee, after Harper appeared to stamp on a grounded Ollie Sims after the pair tussled for the ball.

U's under-23s: Vose, Welch-Hayes (sub Sims), Kensdale, Weaire, Clampin, Campbell-Ryce (sub Cornish), Fernandes, Lapslie, Ager, Reed (sub Sayer), Scarlett. Subs (not used): Tricker, Collins.