COLCHESTER United's under-23s ran out 2-1 winners in a friendly at Crystal Palace, writes BRIAN WALLER.

After defeat in their first friendly of the season, there was better success as the young U's squad travelled south to take on the Eagles.

They recorded a narrow win with goals by Jake Hutchinson and Harvey Sayer.

It was a strong Palace team that included central defenders with first team experience along with former Ipswich Town and Sunderland striker Connor Wickham and Jack Roles, who emerged through the Spurs academy.