A HOST of first-team players featured as Colchester United under-21s progressed to the BBC Essex Senior Cup quarter-finals after edging past Pitching In Isthmian League division north side Walthamstow, writes BRIAN WALLER.

Danny Cowley was in attendance at Wadham Lodge as the likes of Owura Edwards, Brad Ihionvien, Chay Cooper and Will Greenidge featured for the U's who won 3-1 on penalties, after the tie had finished 0-0 after 90 minutes.

Having beaten Heybridge Swifts 4-0 in the round before, Colchester travelled to East London to face Walthamstow and it was a closely-fought first half.

Frankie Edwards headed well wide early on for Colchester while as the hosts threatened, there was a good tackle by Greenidge.

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Edwards cutting into the box then saw his powerful drive held by the home keeper.

Bilal Sayoud got a good cross in which was cleared and then on the break, Walthamstow's shot was blocked by Tom Smith.

After some good build up play the ball found Gene Kennedy on the edge of the box but his effort was sent wide.

Colchester went close again before the break after Frankie Terry controlled the ball but his effort flew across the box.

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The U's made three half-time changes, with Bayan Aman, Jet Dyer and the trialist on for Edwards, Terry and Al Amin Kazeem.

Walthamstow had a penalty shout turned down five minutes after half-time before Ihionvien had a great chance when he shot straight at the keeper.

He was to have several further chances but failed to take any of them and after a big scramble in the box, Bennett was unable to find the net.

Just after the hour mark the ball was knocked down for Jared Small who turned and shot over the bar.

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There were more Walthamstow shouts for a penalty but Callum Ibe was booked for diving.

There was one late chance in stoppage time but Cooper was denied by the home keeper.

The game went to penalties and Cooper scored, before U's goalkeeper Tom Smith saved the first Walthamstow effort.

The U’s trialist then hit the bar, before Stow equalised.

Oliver found the corner of the net before Smith saved again and Greenidge struck the winning spot-kick, to send Colchester through.

Colchester United: Tom Smith, Will Greenidge, Frankie Terry, Frankie Edwards, Al Amin Kazeem, Gene Kennedy, Ryan Lowe, Owura Edwards, Chay Cooper, Bradley Ihionvien, Kaan Bennett. Substitutes: Jet Dyer, Archie Oliver, Trialist, Bayan Aman, Ted Collins.