COLCHESTER United under-21s were beaten 4-1 at Wigan Athletic in their latest Professional Development League match, writes BRIAN WALLER.

The U's made the long trek to the North West to take on the Latics at the Brick Community Stadium and did not have the best of starts.

Scott Smith scored for Wigan on three minutes with a cute flick into the far corner of the net.

Then K’Marni Miller added a second on 17 minutes with a rocket from distance, via the underside of the bar.

 

Colchester tried to get back into the game and almost did when from a Frankie Edwards’ long ball forward, Elkanah Akor dragged his shot wide.

The U's did pull a goal back in the fifth minute of eight minutes of first-half stoppage time.

Rash Douglas netted after Wigan failed to deal with a free-kick, as his effort looped over home keeper Tom Watson.

The U's were facing a strong home side who included a number of first team players so would do well to get anything from the match, especially as most of their team were under 18.

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Although John Stones twice had goals ruled out for offside, any hopes of a second-half comeback were dashed as Wigan scored twice in six minutes.

It was 3-1 on 63 minutes when Smith netted his second, set up by the trialist.

And after Archie Oliver had a shot from the edge of the box, 17-year-old home sub Christy Edwards, who had played in the recent under-18 match for them at Florence Park, made it 4-1 and thereby the game was good as settled in favour of the home team.

Again set up the trialist, he found space to find the net.

Late on Stones was again denied by the offside flag from a well-worked set piece, as Colchester were beaten.

Colchester United U21: Jack Sexton, Elkanah Akor, Frankie Edwards, Fela Abidkun, Alfie Newby, Rash Douglas, Ronnie Harvey, Daniel Banjoko, Trialist, Kaleel Green, Ollie Godziemski. Subs: Burak Sabah, Archie Oliver, Kai Martin.