COLCHESTER United bowed out of the BBC Essex Senior Cup after losing 1-0 at Dagenham and Redbridge, writes BRIAN WALLER.

A strong-looking U's side including the likes of Fiacre Kelleher, Alex Woodyard and Matt Jay conceded late to bow out of the county competition to their National League hosts.

Although it was a goal-less first half, Colchester keeper Tom Smith was a busy man.

But at the other end, Woodyard saw his deflected shot just about dealt with by the home keeper after six minutes and a minute later, the Colchester midfielder was booked.

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Smith then made a double save to deny Frank Vincent and Ralph Vigrass.

After Luca Woodhouse shot straight at Smith, Jason Adigun fired his attempt wide.

From a Jay cross, the header was just over the bar before Smith again saved from Adigun with Trent Rendall putting the rebound wide.

A very poor challenge by Dylan Stephenson on Elkanah Akor then saw the Dagenham player booked.

Just before the break, Smith again made a double save to deny Adigun.

(Image: MATT WILKINSON)

At half-time, the Daggers replaced their keeper Joshua Strizovic with Nathan Harvey and Oscar Rutherford was on for Jake Hassenthaler.

Smith saved again as Vincent shot from distance before Adigun's chip hit the bar before a U's change saw Kaleel Green on for Rash Drysdale.

Both sides then made changes as Josh Rees and Tim Akinola replaced Rendall and Alfie Terry with the U's sending on Daniel Banjoko for Woodyard.

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After Woodhouse squared towards Stephenson the effort after a scramble was deflected onto the bar by an away defender while a muddle in the defence needed a good block by Joel Thompson to avert the danger.

After Smith again saved from Vigrass, the hosts hit a post on 75 minutes.

Just when it looked as if the tie might be decided on penalties, the hosts won it with four minutes remaining when substitute Josh Rees headed in a corner.

Colchester United: Tom Smith, Elkanah Akor, Frankie Edwards, Fiacre Kelleher, Joel Thompson, Hakeem Sandah, Matt Jay, Alex Woodyard, Rash Drysdale, Ollie Godziemski, Trialist B. Subs: Alfie Newby, Daniel Banjoko, Alex Kokoshi, Kaleel Green, Harrison Chamberlain.