Report | Colchester United U21s 1 Swansea City U21s 2

Swansea City Under-21s maintained their unbeaten start to 2024 as they came from behind to beat Colchester United in the Professional Development League.

Kaan Bennett opened the scoring for The U's, despite the Swans having the better of the opening stages, before Ben Lloyd levelled in his first start since returning from injury.

Maliq Cadogan then scored his second goal in a Swans shirt with six minutes remaining, converting from a set-piece to give the visitors all three points.

Lloyd and Glory Nzingo came into the starting line up following injury issues, while Kian Jenkins and Josh Carey made appearances off the bench after time on the sidelines. Filip Lissah missed out due to suspension following his red card against Millwall.

Arthur Parker made his first start for the upper-age group since his arrival in 2022, and he was joined in the matchday squad by fellow under-18s Jack Fanning, Thomas Woodward and Ewan Griffiths, who were named on the bench.

The Swans had the first chance inside 10 minutes with a free-kick on the edge of the box, but the opportunity was wasted as the deliver flew over the bar.

Instead it was the hosts who took the lead in the 14th minute. 

Bennett received the ball 30 yards out before unleashing a powerful low strike past Remy Mitchell in the Swansea goal.

However, the visitors had the better of the contest from then on, and only fine work by Colchester's Frankie Edwards and Ted Collins prevented Swansea finding a rapid equaliser.

However, Colchester's lead would only last 15 minutes as the Swans drew level on the half-hour mark. Lloyd was the quickest to react when keeper Collins parried an initial effort, and made no mistake to find the net.

It was even opening to the second period with each side having half-chances, with the Swans going closest when the ball rebounded off the post after a goalmouth scramble..

However, the Swans would snatch the three points with just six minutes remaining. A foul gave the Swans the chance to deliver into the box, and Cadogan was on hand to convert and continue the development side's good form.

Swansea City Under-21s: Remy Mitchell, Harry Jones, Lincoln McFayden (captain), Dan Watts, Arthur Parker, Richard Faakye, Maliq Cadogan, Charlie Veevers, Ben Lloyd, Liam Smith, Glory Nzingo.

Substitutes: Kian Jenkins, Ewan Griffiths, Thomas Woodward, Josh Carey, Jack Fanning.