COLCHESTER United's youngsters were beaten 4-0 by Millwall in their opening Under-18 Premier League Cup group game at Maldon and Tiptree FC, writes BRIAN WALLER.

The U's fell behind after 11 minutes when they lost possession in midfield and after a counter attack, Romain Esse drilled home.

Millwall went close again soon after with a shot that flew just over before doubling their lead after 26 minutes.

Zak Lovelace made a powerful run down the left and drove a fierce shot into the far corner of the net.

It was all one way traffic and it was 3-0 seven minutes before half-time.

A superb curled ball into the box saw Matthew Yates tussle with his opponent who went down to win a penalty, which Lovelace drove into the net for 3-0.

Colchester immediately had a great chance to get a goal back when Ryan Lowe earned a penalty, after being held back in the area.

However just to typify how the morning was going for the hosts, keeper Ryan Hammond saved well, low to his right.

Jaiden Drakes-Thomas' shot was well saved by Hammond before half-time, as the U's went in at the break trailing.

Colchester began the second half well with substitute Kai Redgrave a big threat down the right and after a good passing move, a hooked shot went wide.

It looked promising for Colchester until five minutes after the interval, a ball down the middle saw Lovelace show his pace before firing his shot past Jaime Tedaldi to complete his hat-trick.

Tedaldi made two smart saves in quick succession before Colchester's Darnell Asare-Williams drove over and then saw the keeper save another attempt, soon after.

Tedaldi tipped an effort over the bar following a corner as the U's were beaten.

Colchester's youngsters face further Premier League Cup games at QPR and at home to Charlton Athletic in the next couple of months.

Colchester United U18: Jaime Tedaldi, Matthew Yates, Frankie Terry, Bailey Lamb, Bayan Aman, Kaan Bennett (sub Sean Brown), Kacy Parish, Jaiden Drakes-Thomas (sub T'aizo Marcel-Dilaver), Ryan Lowe, Freddie Price (sub Kai Redgrave), Darnell Asare-Williams. Substitute (not used): Endurance Johnson.