COLCHESTER United's under-18s were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup at the second-round stage after losing on penalties at Burgess Hill, writes BRIAN WALLER.

The tie finished 2-2 after extra-time, before the U's bowed out after losing 5-4 on spot-kicks, at the Leylands Park ground.

Colchester, who beat Hackney Wick 4-2, in the first round, took on a Burgess Hill side who had beaten Maidenhead on penalties, after a 2-2 draw.

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And things initially looked good for the visitors when they led 2-0, after 35 minutes.

Lennox Emery gave Colchester the lead after 27 minutes.

And when Rash Drysdale doubled their advantage eight minutes later, it was looking good for Elliott Ward's side.

But the hosts fought back with goals at the end of each half.

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

Jake King reduced the deficit in the seventh minute of time added on, at the end of the first half.

And just when it looked like the U's were heading through, Harry Lawson equalised for Burgess Hill to take the game into extra-time.

Colchester's cause was not helped when Elkanah Akor received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving them to play the rest of extra-time with ten men.

There was no further scoring and the tie went to penalties where the hosts progressed, after a save by Sonni Nealgrove.

Burgess Hill now have a third-round trip to Mertsham Town, who beat Forest Green Rovers 3-0 at home in the second round.