A late strike from Louis Dunne secured Colchester United’s under-21s an impressive win over Bolton Wanderers.

Dunne fired across the keeper in the final minute after collecting Femi Akinwande’s lay-off to secure the U’s victory, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Bolton had lost only once at this level all season prior to their game against the U’s and the Whites will feel unfortunate not to have secured at least a draw.

Colchester keeper Dillon Barnes was in fine form between the sticks.

He stopped Kayine Woolery’s shot with his legs after ten minutes while Cameron James saved from near his own line, as the visitors pressed.

The U’s carved out their best chance of the half when Jack Curtis’ curled effort was blocked and the follow-up was cleared from the goalmouth.

The first half finished goal-less but Bolton started the second half brightly, with left-back Niall Maher’s low drive sailing wide of the far post.

Chris Cvetko drove a shot just over the bar while Alex Samizadeh forced Barnes to make an excellent save and was denied by the U’s keeper again, soon after.

At the other end, Akinwande, who was playing for the U's as part of their link-up with Ryman League North side Maldon and Tiptree, was unfortunate to see an effort cleared off the line and Curtis’s drive sailed just wide of the near post, as both sides pressed for a winner.

Barnes diverted away Woolery’s effort and then saved Jordan Lussey’s low free-kick, before smothering at Woolery’s feet.

It looked as though the match would finish goal-less but with the clock ticking down, Colchester grabbed their winner through Dunne.

Bolton players picked up two bookings towards the end as the U’s held on to register victory over their north division opponents.

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