The Development Squad put in an impressive performance against Colchester United but slipped to a 2-1 defeat at The Hive.

Drey Wright opened the scoring with a powerful head after 39 minutes before Tosin Olufemi poked home a second midway through the second-half.

Luke Gambin impressed throughout and he was rewarded seconds after the U’s second as he fired home a superb strike from 25-yards but the away side held on for the win.

The Bees started well and for the opening 20 minutes they were by far the better team but they failed to make their possession count.

With the half nearing a close the away side came back into it and they took the lead six minutes before the break as Wright headed past Dillon Barnes. 

With one minute played in the second-half Iffy Allen had a great opportunity when he seized possession and poked the ball under the keeper only for the defence to rush back and clear. 

Lowe and Gambin also went close but they were unable to test the keeper with tame shots before Colchester broke and added a second through Olufemi.

From the restart the Bees came forward and Gambin took aim 25-yards from goal in a central area before firing the ball home.

The Bees pushed in search of an equaliser but despite good opportunities Colchester held on for the win.