COLCHESTER United's under-21s got their new Professional Development League season off to a winning start with a 3-1 triumph over Sheffield Wednesday this afternoon, writes BRIAN WALLER.

Donell Thomas scored twice and new loan signing Charlie Owens, as the U's youngsters claimed victory at Park Drive.

For their first match of the new season at Maldon and Tiptree FC, Richard Hall's side took on a Wednesday side that they had never beaten in eight previous meetings at this level.

Just before the midway point of the first half, the U’s took the lead.

Kaan Bennett embarked on a good run and fed Lordan Akolbire.

After Pierce Charles saved his shot, Thomas was on hand to put away the rebound.

However the U's lead did not last long as the visitors were soon back on level terms through Bailey Cadamarteri, after 22 minutes.

And then three minutes later, Colchester keeper Kieran O’Hara was forced to make a good save from a close-range header.

The U’s ended the half on top and regained their lead a minute before the break.

After Ryan Lowe’s free-kick was partly cleared it ran out to Owens who smacked the ball into the Wednesday net.

It was a happy return for him to the ground where he had scored for his parent club QPR, last season.

After the break, trialist B got clear down the right and from his ball across trialist C saw his shot blocked away for a corner.

Three minutes later trialist B was involved again as first he won the ball well and then provided the opening for Thomas to convert at the near post with 20 minutes remaining, as Colchester claimed victory.

Colchester United: Kieran O’Hara, Lordan Akolbire, Billy Cracknell, Frankie Terry, Trialist A, Charlie Owens, Trialist B (sub Kai Redgrave), Donell Thomas (sub Kacy Parish, 79), Ryan Lowe, Kaan Bennett, Trialist C. Subs (not used): Jaime Tedaldi, Kacy Parish, Trialist D, Trialist E.

Sheffield Wednesday: Piece Charles, Sean Fusire, Adam Adetoro, Paulo Aguas, David Agbontohoma, Joshua Ashman, Alex Hunt, Jay Glover, Leojo Davidson, Bailey Cademateri and Luke Cook with subs: Jack Hall, Jay Phutti, Bobby Dunn, Rio Shipston, Will Trueman.