COLCHESTER United under-18s beat Millwall 3-1 in their Professional Development League Cup opener at a rain-sodden Florence Park, writes BRIAN WALLER.
The main feature of the first half was two U's goals but it was the home defence who excelled throughout.
Goalkeeper Oscar Roberts was in superb form for Joe Dunne's side, making several excellent saves.
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Colchester's George Porter and Keylan Ble, as both sides pushed for an opener.
As Roberts continued his good work, there was a good save from a deflected shot. After Noah Kalema fed Lennox Emery into the box he appeared to be fouled in the area but no penalty was awarded.
Colchester took the lead midway through the half through Kalema, who fired home left footed after the keeper had pushed out Arthur Jacks' driven cross.
And the U's doubled their advantage on 45 minutes, as a ball forward saw Neo Lieu Smith get in behind the Millwall central defender and race clear to score.
Early in the second half, Colchester scored a third goal through Emery, who netted from the spot after being fouled in the area.
Millwall made four substitutions after that and pulled a goal back midway through the second half with a shot into the corner, after an attack down the right.
The Lions continued to press hard and it needed the home defence to be superb, with numerous blocks by Frank and Porter and saves by Roberts.
Neo Smith continued to be a real menace down the right wing until he was replaced with game time for Archie Baily and the lofty frame of Luciano Maffei, who battled on well after being subjected to some poor challenges.
Late on the Lions keeper had to make a good save from Henry and from the resulting corner, Porter headed over the bar.
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After two excellent saves by Roberts, there were good blocks from Porter and Morgan and there was also a good appearance by another of the under-16 players Harry Cowley, the son of Nicky Cowley.
Colchester United U18: Oscar Roberts, Arthur Jacks, Kelyan Ble, George Porter, Harrison Palmer, Neo Lieu Smith, Ryan Mombo, Lennox Emery, Harry Cowley, Donte Frank, Noah Kalema. Subs: Dre Henry, Archie Bailey, Luciano Maffei, Harry Morgan, Oscar Parker.
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