COLCHESTER United's under-23s fell to a 2-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday, in their Professional Development League Two clash, writes BRIAN WALLER.

The U’s made the long trip north to play the Owls at the Middlewood Road ground and fell behind to an early goal by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru after six minutes.

This came after a Colchester defender mis-kicked the ball after a cross came in from Lewis Farmer and ran into the path of the home midfielder to put the chance away.

The hosts went close again soon after this when Charles Hagan cut in from the left, but his fierce drive was well blocked.

The scorer was a constant danger getting a shot away from the edge of the box, which U's keeper Ted Collins pushed away.

After a strong run from Hagan he created the opening for Alex Bonnington who fed on for Charles Reaney, who bent his shot wide of the near post.

Colchester did create one chance but Jake Hutchinson headed wide.

And although the visitors came more into the game, hopes of a recovery were dashed after an own goal by Billy Cracknell midway through the second half which sealed the U's fate, which came as Farmer’s low drive was deflected in past Collins after 68 minutes.

Liam Waldock almost got a third after he found space in the box but his low shot was easily taken by Collins.

Home keeper Luke Jackson had more to do late on as he made saves from Ryan Viggars and Gene Kennedy.

There was one final chance for Wednesday as Reaney turned on the left before sending his shot goalwards, but Collins was tipping this over the bar.

This was the seventh meeting between the two academy sides with the U’s recording no wins, two draws and five defeats.