A SPIRITED late revival was not enough as Colchester United's under-23s lost 3-2 at home to Millwall in Professional Development League Two, writes BRIAN WALLER.

Having lost 2-0 at Crewe Alexandra on Monday, the match at Maldon and Tiptree saw the U's face a Millwall team who had beaten them 6-1 in a match last December.

It was to be a testing opening half for Colchester's under-23s, managed by Richard Hall and Dave Huzzey, as they were 2-0 down by the half mark.

The Lions went ahead through Arthur Penney after 13 minutes, before doubling it thanks to Tyler Burey's penalty on the half hour.

The game was always going to be a big test for Colchester as they began the match bottom of the league.

They have recorded just three wins in 19 games played this season whilst the Lions were fourth with six wins, in their 19.

Within a matter of minutes of coming on, Sean O'Brien netted a third goal for Millwall, with 21 minutes remaining.

Colchester reduced the arrears seven minutes later when Sam Cornish curled a fine shot into the top corner from long range.

And when they scored again through Tom Stagg who headed in from inside the area with five minutes to go, the match looked to be in for a thrilling finish.

However it was not to be for the U's and Millwall just about survived the late fightback to win the match.