COLCHESTER United's under-18s lost 2-1 at Ipswich Town in their Professional Development League Cup opener, writes BRIAN WALLER.

Elliott Ward's side were beaten in their opening group game in the competition, at Playford Road.

The U's took the lead on eight minutes through Burak Sabah, who scored on the follow up after Jamie Arnold's shot was blocked.

Ipswich looked for an equaliser and should have got one when Uzor-Apeey failed to convert, right in front of goal.

But the hosts equalised after 16 minutes when Oli Davis' shot went in off the right-hand upright, after good work by Tommy Taylor.

The impressive Oudnie Morgan was a constant danger down the right for Ipswich and from his cross in, Harrison Chamberlain superbly tipped Davis's effort over the bar.

Ipswich then scored a spectacular second goal on 37 minutes as once more, Taylor combined with Davis who fired a superb 25-yard effort past Chamberlain, giving the U's goalkeeper no chance.

Town almost scored again when Henry Curtis's flick header at the near post was tipped over by Chamberlain.

Just on half-time, Arnold broke clear and despite having his shirt pulled by Okunowo, again failed to be given by the referee, he did manage to get the ball on to Ewan Gordon Clement.

But when he got the ball across, Samson Uwandu on the back post was unable to get a decent header in.

Colchester went in at the break behind at half-time and were reduced to ten men just after the hour when Gordon Clement was sent off for a high foot in the Ipswich box.

The U's were really struggling to create much in an attacking sense, with Ipswich always the more likely scorers.

Davis fired wide of the far post, before being denied by Chamberlain soon after.

Davis's free-kick hit the wall and he went very close again soon after when he fired wide of the far post, as Colchester were beaten.

Colchester United U18: Harrison Chamberlain, Elkanah Akor (sub Kai Martin), Bailey Berry, Andrew Palmer Brown, Makhaya James, Max Jolliffe (sub Rashaad Douglas), Milton Oni (sub Alamin Kosoko), Burak Sabah, Ewan Gordon Clement, Jamie Arnold, Samson Uwandu (sub Alfie Newby). Sub (not used): Jayden Peglar.