COLCHESTER United's under-23s fell to a 5-1 defeat at Sheffield United in their latest Professional Development League Two match, writes BRIAN WALLER.

The contest got off to a frantic start, with three goals in the first six minutes.

After a foul on the right edge of the box, Chay Cooper gave the U's the lead with a superb free-kick around the wall, beating home keeper Jake Eastwood low to his left.

But Sheffield United equalised two minutes later, in unfortunate circumstances.

U's defender Camron Gbadebo appeared to pull a hamstring in clearing the ball.

The Blades took a quick throw and although keeper Ted Collins saved the first Will Osula's first effort, the home player converted the rebound.

Despite lengthy Colchester protests the goal was given and Kai Redgrave was sent on to replace the injured Gbadebo, soon after.

Things got worse for the U's, two minutes later.

Harry Beadle was adjudged to have fouled Osula in the box and the Sheffield United player despatched the resultant penalty to Collins’ right.

Collins denied Andre Brooks' follow-up while at the other end, Cooper's angled shot went just wide on 18 minutes.

Cooper was then denied by the home keeper but some neat home build-up play by the hosts saw Sydie Peck's effort pushed around the post by Collins.

Sheffield United extended their lead just before the half hour.

Peck's outrageous back-heel set up the unmarked Hasan Ayari to make it 3-1.

Collins nearly presented Osula with a third goal when the U's keeper kicked the ball straight to him.

But forced wide left by a U’s defender, Osula's shot was just outside of the far post.

Collins then denied Peck and made a superb tip over from Osula, as the hosts threatened more goals.

Sam Cornish’s deflected effort flew over but the U's went in at the break with it all to do.

Kaan Bennett replaced Beadle for Colchester at half-time but any comeback hopes they had were dashed when Osula was fouled in the box and netted the resultant spot-kick.

Brooks fired into the side netting for Sheffield United and Frankie Terry did well to divert Ayari's shot over his own bar.

Redgrave fired wide from Cooper's assist before the home side wrapped up their victory.

Despite Collins' close-range save, Osula got the better of his marker to bag his fourth goal of the afternoon, to leave Colchester well beaten.