COLCHESTER United's under-21s lost 3-2 at home to Sheffield United in their final Professional Development League match of the season, writes BRIAN WALLER.
The U's lost out at the JobServe Community Stadium against the Northern Division champions, opponents they have never historically done well against at both Academy levels.
Colchester had the best of the first-half chances, with Hakeem Sandah and Archie Oliver going close.
The Blades goals as strikes from Oné, Marsh and Sachdev sealed a final day win at Colchester United. pic.twitter.com/h7RZ6Av9q5
— Sheffield United Development (@sufcdevelopment) May 10, 2024
But the Blades took the lead on 25 minutes when Ted Collins' clearance out to the right wing was intercepted and then fed forward for Ryan One to drive home left footed.
Colchester responded well though and equalised, four minutes later.
Sheffield United keeper Luke Faxon spilled a shot dropped a trialist's shot and Kaleel Green netted.
Colchester then went ahead in spectacular style, just before the break.
Sandah picked up the ball, side stepped an opponent and drove a tremendous shot home from outside the box.
After half-time, the Blades stormed back and Colchester did well to survive.
MC: "We controlled the game well tonight for large parts. We were too sloppy after they scored and once we’d addressed that at half-time, the lads were excellent second half.
— Sheffield United Development (@sufcdevelopment) May 10, 2024
"We are disappointed to have missed some good chances but the pleasing thing is the amount they…
Collins tipped left-back Jay Tinsdale's well-struck shot over for a corner and Louie Marsh's effort smashed against the bar.
Collins then denied One and a cross from the left was nearly turned into his own net by a Colchester player, but a team-mate averted the danger.
Collins reacted well to save another effort from close range before a Blades player rounded the U's keeper but a team-mate cleared at the near post.
After another Collins save the follow-up was blazed over the bar before the visitors finally equalised with ten minutes to go through Louie Marsh's cross-shot.
And Sheffield United completed their turnaround three minutes when Sai Sanchev, who drove a fierce shot through a crowd of players and past Collins, who could not react quick enough to make a save.
We end our season with a defeat. #ColU 🔵 2-3 ⚔️ Sheffield United pic.twitter.com/jNMmbmE3sn
— Colchester United FC Academy (@ColU_Academy) May 10, 2024
A back post header went wide for the visitors, before Colchester went so close in the frantic final stages.
A trialist's effort was saved by the keeper and then after another scramble the loose ball was sent wide, as the U's lost out.
Colchester's under-18s drew their last match of the season, at Hull City.
Colchester U21: Ted Collins, Frankie Edwards, Frankie Terry, Ryan Lowe (sub trialist C), Archie Oliver, Hakeem Sandah, Oscar Thorn (sub Max Jolliffe), trialist A, Milton Oni, Kaleel Green (sub Ollie Godziemski), trialist B. Sub (not used): Jack Sexton.
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