COLCHESTER United's under-18s won their first league game since September with a 2-1 triumph over Sheffield Wednesday, writes BRIAN WALLER.

But Elliott Ward's side had to work hard for their win at Florence Park and fell behind after 15 minutes.

After a Colchester free-kick was cleared, the visitors broke down the right and Bruno Fernandes cut back inside and scored with a left-foot shot, just inside the near post.

Colchester felt they should have had a penalty when striker James Sasere appeared to be fouled from behind in the area but no decision was given.

Banjoko then hit the top of the bar with a cross-shot, as the home team got more into the game.

However when Banjoko fed the ball down the right, Burak Sabah was fouled in the box to win a penalty.

After a long injury break, his spot-kick just beat the away keeper down to his left to level things up, ten minutes before the break.

A nasty clash of heads with the right back and Sabah saw a lengthy delay as both needed treatment.

 

Sabah went off with a cut head but six minutes into first half stoppage-time, Colchester scored again as a cross from the left was fired in by Sasere.

Centre-half Ernie Weaver headed wide on the back post, as the U's went in ahead at the break.

Early in the second half, Colchester goalkeeper Harrison Chamberlain made good saves from Fernandes and Thornton, blocking with legs and body.

Sasere's drive was held by the Owls keeper held on while at the other end, Chamberlain smothered a shot before Fela Abidkun's great tackle set the U's away and Sasere won a corner.

After Chamberlain smothered another shot, Wednesday then shot well over the bar but the pressure was increasing.

Then from a cross from the left, there was a great block on the shot by substitute Ronnie Harvey.

Colchester survived a scramble in their box but held on for a rare win in the season and against Wednesday.

Colchester United U18: Harrison Chamberlain, Fela Abidkun, Alfie Newby (sub Frankie Edwards), Bailey Berry, Makhaya James, Daniel Banjoko, Kai Martin, Alamin Kosoko, Burak Sabah (sub Ronnie Harvey), Istan Henry, James Sasere. Subs (not used): Jack Sexton, Leo Makata.