Ronnie Harvey was among those who featured for Elliott Ward’s side, as they made the long trek to the Eppleton Colliery Welfare ground in Hetton-le-Hole to face the Mackens.
Colchester’s trialist keeper was to excel and made the first of many saves, early on.
Sunderland goalkeeper Ben Metcalf then got in on the act, saving well diving to his left.
The U's keeper made a good double save and then despite a stumble in the box, no penalty was given to Sunderland.
> BACK-TO-BACK WINS 😍 [pic.twitter.com/jEGdJWYmn6](https://t.co/jEGdJWYmn6)
>
> — SAFC Academy (@AcademyOfLight) [October 17, 2025](https://twitter.com/AcademyOfLight/status/1979275951222427678?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
However, Colchester fell behind six minutes before the break when Ahmed Abdullani scored, from Jack Whittaker’s pass.
There was danger for the visitors when a clearance was charged down but when the home striker broke clear, the keeper managed to stick a hand out to knock the ball clear.
Colchester went in at the break behind but there was a flashpoint, ten minutes after half-time.
Colchester striker Kien Connolly was breaking down but was pulled down by Ben Kindon, who was sent off.
But Sunderland doubled their lead just before the hour mark when Ahmed Abdullani found the far corner of the net, after the hosts had broke in on the left.
The U's were then given a chance for a way back into the match with 11 minutes remaining after a foul in the box and Kai Martin sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot.
There was a home yellow card before Moore was denied as the keeper made a superb save to his left.
Right on full time, Colchester’s Kurai Mushani was sent off for a trip and despite seven extra minute, the visitors just could not find an equaliser.
Colchester United: Trialist, David Nkrumah, Fela Abidkun, Kurai Mushani, Ronnie Harvey, Kai Marin, Daniel Banjoko, Lennox Emery, Kaion Lisbie, Makes Evans, Kien Connolly. Subs (used): Owen Moore, Caiden Lewis and James Sasere. Subs (not used): Jack Sexton, Dre Henry.