First half goals from Tom Webb and Rob Davies, a trialist from West Brom, gave Colchester a 2-0 victory over the Town second string at Layer Road this afternoon. The defeat was only the third suffered by the Blues reserves this season.

The home side had the best of windy conditions in the first half and went in 2-0 up at the break.

Town were below par throughout with George O'Callaghan's strike against a post in the first half the highlight. The Blues' standout performer was defender Chris Casement, returning to action after an ankle injury.

Coach Richard Hall gave schoolboy Jack Ainsley his reserves debut two minutes from the end. The England U17 international, the younger brother of former academy player Stuart and son of 1980s youth team member George, will become a full-time scholar at Playford Road in the summer.

The reserves are now only six points ahead of the U's at the top of the Pontin's Holidays Combination League East Division, but have a game in hand over the Essex club.

Town: Supple, Sito (Webster 60), Casement, Fenn, Barron, Moore, Upson (Ainsley 88), Reason, O'Callaghan, Leabon (Short 75), Clarke. Unused: Plummer, Nimmo.

Photo: Action Images

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