Report | Colchester United U23s 3 Swansea City U23s 1

Swansea City Under-23s were beaten away to Colchester United Under-23s in their Professional Development League clash.

The Swans found themselves 2-0 down at half-time through goals from Donell Thomas and Jake Hutchinson.

Jaden Forrester’s header pulled the Swans back into the contest, but a late goal from Ellis Sullivan secured three points for the home side.

Swansea came close to opening the scoring early, with Joel Cotterill’s swerving long range effort flying just over the crossbar.

But the hosts would take the lead through a stroke of luck. Ryan Lowe’s effort from distance looked like a simple save for Nico Defreitas-Hansen, but a deflection from Thomas sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to put The U’s ahead.

Twelve minutes later Colchester netted again. Hutchinson got on the end of a low cross, his initial shot was blocked by Scott Butler but he buried the rebound to double his sides lead.

Lincoln Mcfayden almost pulled one back for the Swans before half-time, his powerful header from a corner going just wide.

Colchester were reduced to 10 men just after half time, Lowe’s studs up challenge on Azeem Abdulai earning him a straight red card.

The Swans capitalised on their man advantage, with Forrester heading home a great cross from Tarrelle Whittaker.

Swansea continued to push for a winner, but were caught out on the counter as Ellis Sullivan took full advantage of a Colchester break to score and seal all three points.

Kris O'Leary's side are next in action on Monday, when they welcome Ipswich Town to Landore.

Colchester United U23s: Jake Turner, Lordon Akolbire, Al-Amin Kazeem, Ryan Lowe, Billy Cracknell (captain), Frankie Terry, Emmanuel Martins (Ellis Sullivan, 75), Marley Miranda, Jake Hutchinson (Kai Redgrave, 75), Donell Thomas, Andre Hasanally (Kaan Bennett, 87).

Unused Subs: Kacy Parish, Kaan Bennett, Jamie Tedaldi.

Swansea City U23s: Nico Defreitas-Hansen, Scott Butler (captain), Ben Margetson (Ben Erickson, 80), Harry Jones, Tivonge Rushesha (Adrian Akande, 63), Dan Williams, Azeem Abdulai (Jaden Forrester, 54), Lincoln Mcfayden, Ben Lloyd, Joel Cotterill, Tarrelle Whittaker.

Unused Subs: Jamie Searle, Jacob Jones.