COLCHESTER United under-23s conceded three goals in eight second-half minutes to lose 3-0 at home to Bristol City, writes BRIAN WALLER.

The Robins secured victory at Florence Park, taking them back to the top of the Professional Development League South table.

Colchester suffered an early injury blow when midfielder Gene Kennedy suffered a nasty collision and had to be replaced by Jaiden Drakes-Thomas.

Kai Redgrave fired straight at keeper Jose Casa Grande while at the other end, a stretching Ayman Benarous was just unable to make contact with Bell's cross.

Benarous's effort on the turn drew a good save from keeper Ted Collins before Colchester had a penalty appeal rejected when Redgrave lost his marker and went to ground in the area.

Collins saved Benarous's free-kick but the first half finished goal-less.

City had the ball in the net four minutes after the break when Conway’s effort from Sam Bell's quickly-taken free-kick was ruled out for offside.

Things then changed dramatically around the hour mark.

Barney Soadey crossed from the left to the far post and Bell knocked the ball back to the centre for Tommy Conway to drive into the net on 59 minutes.

The visitors got a second, three minutes later.

Owers' ball down the left channel found Bell in loads of space and he acrobatically hooked the ball past Collins.

It was all City now as after Drakes-Thomas lost the ball, Josh Owers’ pass found Kadji, whose chip was well tipped over by Collins.

The U's very bad spell continued as a third goal was conceded.

Soady won the ball went through a challenge and his pass found Conway, who put the chance away.

Kadji's fierce shot flew wide for Bristol City soon after and Harry Beadle blocked Bell's shot, as the visitors pressed for more goals.

City so nearly got a fourth goal as Bell set up Conway in so much space really should have scored but Collins did really well to block the shot with an outstretched leg.

Chay Cooper’s free-kick was sent wide of the near post late on but Colchester were beaten.

Colchester United U23: Ted Collins, Bradley Chakawa, Harry Beadle (sub Trialist B), Frankie Terry, Trialist A, Kai Redgrave, Kacy Parish (sub Freddie Price), Ryan Lowe, Gene Kennedy (sub Jaiden Drakes-Thomas), Kaan Bennett, Chay Cooper. Subs (not used): Matt Yates, Endurance Johnson.