COLCHESTER United's under-21s lost 2-1 at Watford, in their latest Professional Development League match this afternoon, writes BRIAN WALLER.
Matthew Etherington's side travelled to the Bell Lane ground to face opponents who they had beaten 6-0 in the match away, last season.
Watford under-21s, who are now coached by former U's left-back Charlie Daniels, were reduced to ten men after just 14 minutes when Michael Adu-Poku received a red card.
Healey and Pollock start for the U21s this afternoon. 🫁 https://t.co/xi0Abngfz5 pic.twitter.com/5tzPmlHEuK
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) September 26, 2023
But five minutes later, Watford took the lead as Mattie Pollock headed across goal which then found Charlie Stannard, who scored from close range.
Late in the half Mattie Pollock's header was saved by Colchester goalkeeper Sam Hornby but moments later, the home defender side footed in a second Watford goal in first-half stioppage time.
At the break Pollock and former Colchester striker Rhys Healey were replaced by Jonathan Lawson and Leo Ramirez-Espain, for the hosts.
Fantastic effort as the young Hornets get the win despite an early sending off. 🙌
— Watford FC Academy (@WatfordFCAcad) September 26, 2023
Well done, lads! 👏 pic.twitter.com/Kde4wJi7eO
On 52 minutes, James Collins hit the bar and a third home change saw Joshua King on for Stallard but the U's were back in it with 20 minutes remaining when T'aizo Marcel Dilaver scored, to make it 2-1.
Colchester were in dominant form in the second half, putting the Hornes under pressure with constant attacks, registering 15 shots and 13 corners.
A fourth home change saw Dawid Hamiga on for Jack Grieves and it was a fifth defeat in a row for Colchester under-21s.
The U's will go into Friday's home match with Bournemouth looking for a change in fortunes.
Colchester under-21s: Hornby, Yates, James, Lowe, Nelson, Beadle (c), Mupomba, Jenks, Thorn, Javaid, Bennett.
Subs: Aman, Marcel-Dilaver, Oliver, Green, Chamberlain.
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