COLCHESTER United's under-23s lost ground in the Premier League Cup after suffering a 3-2 home defeat to Stoke City, writes BRIAN WALLER.

After a quiet opening, the U's took the lead just before the half hour when Donell Thomas controlled and drilled home from Andre Hasanally's pass.

However, the lead did not last long; the U's trialist failed to deal with the ball out by the right hand corner and when a cross came in, Christian Norton converted from very close range.

Samson Tovide was forced off with injury on 37 minutes and just before the break, the U’s were so unlucky not to regain their lead.

Chay Cooper's free-kick smashed against the left hand post, with keeper Robbie Hemfrey getting a slight touch on it.

Cooper's effort nestled into the side netting before half-time but Stoke went ahead just before the hour through William Goodwin, who headed home at the back post from Adam Porter's cross.

The game looked safe for the visitors with 15 minutes remaining when Patrick Jarrett converted Porter's pass from inside the box.

Thomas and Kaan Bennett linked up to set up Cooper who shot just wide.

And soon after, the ball spun awkwardly away from Cooper when he was placed for a shot, after Bennett had put the ball into the danger area.

Colchester eventually found a route back into the contest in the closing stages.

A long ball forward in behind the visitors’ backline saw Hasanally win the race for the ball and he was caught by keeper Hemfrey, who conceded a penalty and was booking.

Cooper confidently put away the resulting spot-kick and with four minutes of added on time, Colchester went in search of an equaliser.

Things got a bit heated on the touchline as the visitors were trying to wind down the clock and Cooper was unceremoniously bowled over by Lewis Macari, who was booked.

But Stoke held on for victory to move to second in the group with six points, four points behind leaders Fulham.

Colchester have five points, while Southend United have one.

Colchester United: Ted Collins, Ellis Sullivan (sub Bradley Chakawa), Trialist (sub Ryan Lowe), Harry Beadle, Emmanuel Martins, Andre Hasanally, Gene Kennedy, Sam Cornish, Donell Thomas, Samson Tovide (sub Kaan Bennett), Chay Cooper. Subs (not used): Kacy Parish, Endurance Johnson.