ANDRE Hasanally scored an early goal but Colchester United's under-23s lost 2-1 to Brimingham City, writes BRIAN WALLER.

The U's were beaten by a late goal in their latest Professional Development League Two game, at Maldon and Tiptree FC.

The U’s youngsters took on a Blues team that they had lost to 4-2 when they last met in August 2019, in the only meeting that season of the two teams.

The game last season was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the current season, for their part, Colchester went into the match, after a run of six games without a win.

Birmingham had lost their previous match 3-2 at home to Watford and had twice been beaten 5-4.

Indeed, most of their six matches had featured a lot of goals, 31 in total, 16 for and 15 against.

The game began well for the home team as they took an early lead from Hasanally who scored with a long range effort after three minutes.

However the visitors were soon back on level terms two minutes later with a goal by Josh Andrews.

Andrews was on the end of Marcel Oakley's cross, taking the ball down well before then putting the chance away.

Whilst the home team failed to take the chances they had as Harvey Sayer put in some very telling crosses, it was City who got really on top in the second half.

Just when the game looked to be ending up as a draw the away team won it, with five minutes to go.

Andrews turned inside the box to create a bit of space, before converting the opportunity for his seventh goal of the season.

In the only other match on the afternoon, the Southern Division leaders Bristol City lost 2-1 to the Northern Division bottom team Sheffield Wednesday.

However the win for City was their third success in consecutive away matches and took them to fifth place in the table.