COLCHESTER United under-21s fell to a 2-1 defeat at Blackburn Rovers in their first Premier League Cup game of the season at the Lancashire FA headquarters in Leyland, writes BRIAN WALLER.

Rovers, managed by former Everton and Manchester City striker Mike Sheron, started well and from a low Tom Bloxham cross, Dominik Biniek could not quite put away the chance as it was superbly blocked.

At the other end, Kien Connolly's effort went just wide of the near post before Hakeem Sandah's shot from distance was pushed away by keeper Jack Barrett.

Colchester goalkeeper Harrison Chamberlain did well to save Zack Stritch's shot, before the U's had two good chances.

 

Connolly used his strength to get in and force a good save and from the resulting corner, the striker's header on the back post was deflected away for another set piece, as the sides went in level at the break.

The U's again went close after half-time as Barrett saved well from Sandah but the hosts also had a chance when Powell's effort was parried away for a corner.

Colchester fell behind on 54 minutes when Tom Bloxham tapped home at the third attempt, after twice being denied by Chamberlain.

And Blackburn doubled their lead 14 minutes later through James Edmundson, who scored after Stritch's pass was deflected into his path.

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Colchester had a chance to halve the deficit when Barrett fouled substitute Ollie Godziemski in the area.

Godziemski took the spot-kick himself but was denied by Barrett's superb save.

Colchester finally pulled a goal back with 14 minutes remaining when Frankie Terry scored, after being set up by Alfie Bendle.

Chamberlain saved Jalil Saadi's volley, while a Bendle free-kick sailed into the side netting as Colchester searched for an equaliser.

 

But despite six minutes of stoppage time, the U's were beaten.

Colchester United U21: Harrison Chamberlain, Elkanah Akor, Frankie Edwards, Frankie Terry, Sam Kuffour (sub Alfie Newby), Max Jolliffe, Daniel Banjako (sub Ronnie Harvey), Hakeem Sandah, Alfie Bendle, Kien Connolly (sub Ollie Godziemski), Kaleel Green (sub Rash Douglas). Sub (not used): Jack Sexton.