COLCHESTER United's under-18s lost 6-2 at Swansea City in their latest Professional Development League fixture, writes BRIAN WALLER.

Less than 48 hours after their shock FA Youth Cup exit, the U's youngsters made the long trip to South Wales to take on the Swans, at the Joma High Performance Centre.

Swansea's Morgan Bates was denied by Colchester goalkeeper Jack Sexton on 12 minutes.

And soon after, Milo Robinson fired over the bar, after being found by Bates.

 

But Colchester fell behind on 17 minutes to Aidan Higgins' strike, before Bates doubled their lead 11 minutes later.

However, the U's reduced the deficit before the break thanks to Rash Drysdale's goal, five minutes before half-time.

After the interval though the hosts increased their advantage with two quick goals by Robinson and Bates, in the space of four minutes.

Sexton saved from Ramon Rees-Siso but was beaten again with five minutes remaining when Bates completed his hat-trick.

Kai Martin pulled another goal back for Colchester from the penalty spot, three minutes later.

But Swansea sealed their win in the second minute of stoppage time through substitute Callum Jones, as the U's were beaten.