COLCHESTER United's under-23s bowed out of the Essex Senior Cup after losing 8-7 on penalties at Concord Rangers, writes BRIAN WALLER.

The U's bowed out of the competition at the fourth-round stage against their Canvey Island-based National League South opponents, after the game had finished 1-1 after 90 minutes.

There was a good early challenge put in by Afrane-Kesey but generally it was to be a very quiet first half hour of the game, summed up by a wayward Colchester cross which ended up in the car park.

As the opening period went into injury-time, Domi won the hosts a free-kick but this came to nothing in what was a goal-less first half.

Straight after the restart, the visitors took the lead with a goal by Tom Stagg.

Midway through the half and Blackman saw his free-kick go just over the bar.

After a back pass was picked up, Concord won an indirect free kick in the box which was blocked.

Four minutes from time, Jobe had the ball in the net, but it was disallowed as he was offside.

However late on the hosts equalised with a penalty by Danny Green.

The match then went penalties and the U’s missed their first, whilst Green scored his for the home team.

The next four spot-kicks were scored, so Concord led 3-2.

After the home side missed their fourth, the U's missed their ninth penalty.

And when Concord scored their next, it was the home team who progressed 8-7 to book their place in the next round.