COLCHESTER UNITED 2-2 PRESTON NORTH END (Preston won 5-2 after extra-time) Youth Alliance Cup final DON'T let the scoreline deceive you.

The Youth Alliance Cup final at Layer Road last night was far closer than the result suggests.

Ultimately, the main difference between the two sides was Preston North End's sharpness in front of goal.

Colchester United can be proud of the way they fought back from 2-0 down to take the final into extra-time, in front of a crowd of 545.

Nevertheless, U's under-18 boss Joe Dunne cut a dejected figure afterwards.

He told the Evening Gazette: "Preston's strikers took their chances and that was the difference between the sides in the end."