NEW signing Joel Thompson featured as Colchester United under-21s lost 3-0 at Millwall in their latest Professional Development League match, writes BRIAN WALLER.

Thompson, who joined the U's from Premier League side Nottingham Forest on a short-term deal last month, played for Liam Bailey's side in their defeat to the Lions.

The U's created very little in the match and were well beaten at Millwall's training ground in Calmont Road, in Bromley.

A strong home side had the first chance on eight minutes but Murray Wallace's header from a corner was sent over the bar.

Six minutes later, attempts by Dan Kelly and Oliver Evans were blocked by the Colchester defence, as was Henry Hearn's shot after he pounced a loose ball in the box.

Alfie Massey then won the ball in the box and he fed Eagles Bangura-Williams who set up Hearn to score the first goal, on 24 minutes.

 

Just before the half hour mark, Colchester registered their first attempt through Kaleel Green which was saved by keeper Liam Roberts.

An early change for the Lions on 35 minutes saw Jack Howland replace Femi Azeez.

Things got worse for the U's just before the break as Aidomo Emakhu put Howland away down the right and from his cross, Ra'ees Bangura-Williams powered home Millwall's second goal, on 42 minutes.

The Lions held a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break and just before the hour mark, shots by Bangura-Williams, Emakhu and Kelly from the edge of the box were all blocked.

Millwall continued to press and Ben Drake burst down the left and crossed for Howland but his attempt was deflected wide.

Emakhu guided a shot goalwards but more desperate U's defending cleared this one.

Millwall sealed their win on 88 minutes when Jack Howland sent the U's keeper the wrong way when converting a penalty, on a very disappointing day for the away side.

Colchester United U21: Harrison Chamberlain, Elkanah Akor, Frankie Edwards, Alfie Newby, Joel Thompson, Rash Douglas, Daniel Banjoko (sub Ronnie Harvey), Alfie Bendle, Archie Oliver (sub David Nkrumah), Oie Godziemski, Kaleel Green (sub James Sasere). Subs (not used): Jack Sexton and Fela Abidkun.