Defeat - Colchester United's under-18s lost 3-0 to Hull City in their Professional Development League clash (Image: Newsquest Ltd)
Defeat - Colchester United's under-18s lost 3-0 to Hull City in their Professional Development League clash (Image: Newsquest Ltd)
COLCHESTER United under-18s lost 3-0 at home to a confident Hull City side in their latest Professional Development League game, writes BRIAN WALLER.
The Tigers started well and went close early on with an effort that went just wide of a post.
Noah Kalema fired over for Colchester, while at the other end, Sam McCree blocked a shot by the Hull centre-forward and then a 25-yard effort.
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Colchester goalkeeper Oscar Parker tipped over two set-pieces in quick succession but the U's tried to respond, with Nadim Dagher's good run through the centre ending in a shot that was deflected away for a corner.
But Hull took the lead on 32 minutes when they broke from a U's corner and midfielder Alex Eady raced clear to put the visitors into the lead.
Colchester looked for an immediate response and a minute later, Luciano Maffei got through a couple of challenges and dragged his shot wide.
A strike from distance was held by Parker, while Maffei's well-struck shot had Hull keeper Kerr Reynolds stretching up to grab the ball.
The Under-18s record their first win of the season with a 3-0 victory over Colchester United in the #U18PDL, courtesy of goals from Alex Edey, James Russell and Sasha Gomeniuk! š#hcafc #hcafcU18 pic.twitter.com/baCCDjvrJB
ā Hull City Academy (@HullCityAcademy) August 22, 2026
At the interval, Colchester made changes, with Arthur Jacks on at right-back and Judah Blair-Charles sent on in midfield, Caiden Lewis moving to left-back and Nadim Dagher and Sam McCree departing.
But Hull doubled their lead on 51 minutes through right-back James Russell, whose low shot seemed to go under the dive of Parker.
Noah Kalema's volley was caught by Kerr Reynolds while at the other end, Parker tipped an effort over the bar.
However, the game was put out of Colchester's reach, with 19 minutes remaining.
There was a big scramble in the goalmouth from a corner which ended with the effort by captain and defender Sasha Gomeniuk adjudged by the assistant referee to have crossed the line.
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To sum up the Uās frustrating morning, Lewis's powerful header flashed wide of the target late on, as the hosts were beaten.
Next up for Colchester's under-18s is their Premier Cup group opener at home to Millwall.
Colchester United U18: Oscar Parker, Caiden Lewis, Keylan Ble, Sam McCree, Harrison Palmer, Neo Lieu Smith, Nadim Dagher, Ryan Mombo, Donte Frank, Luciano Maffei, Noah Kalema. Subs (used): Arthur Jacks, Judah Blair-Charles, Harry Morgan, Harry Cowley, Owen Warren. Sub (not used): Oscar Roberts.