Town's young reserves suffered a 5-1 defeat away at Crystal Palace on Wednesday night. The result flattered the home side a touch with their final two goals coming in the last 10 minutes of an entertaining encounter at Selhurst Park.

The Eagles went ahead through Ryan Hall in the 25th minute, his volley from a Tommy Black cross taking a number of deflections before beating Shane Supple.

James Krause, again impressive, levelled just after the half hour, the centre-half heading in Matt Richards's corner. Richards was employed in the central midfield role he often occupied during his time with the Town academy.

Palace regained their lead in the 55th minute through Sam Togwell, prior to Danny Haynes feeling he ought to have had a penalty.

Nicky Forster shot over on 59, before ex-Colchester striker Wayne Andrews scored the goal of the game, taking the ball down the left from halfway, cutting in and lashing into the top corner.

As time ran down, Mark Hudson scored a fourth and Andrews netted his second of the match to complete the scoring.

Nicky Forster played 67 minutes of the game as he works on his fitness levels after his recent knee operation. The striker is likely to play for the reserves again next Monday when Steve McCall's side take on Southampton at Portman Road (KO 7pm).

Reserves: Supple, Moore, Collins, Krause, Barron, Peters (Trotter 67), Richards, Juan, McDonald, Forster (Knights 67), Haynes (Lordan 67). Unused: Casement.

Photo: Action Images

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