Coventry City Under-21s fell to a 2-1 defeat against Colchester United at the Coventry Building Society Arena this afternoon, despite a Rylie Siddall strike that levelled the game.
The visitors took the lead in Coventry before City levelled thanks to winger Siddall, following some impressive work from Dermi Lusala.
That early goal came despite appeals from City defenders for an offside flag, with a U's forward pouncing on a loose ball in the six-yard box to force home.
City's youngsters responded positively, though: Bradley Stretton twice came close to scoring with one effort fizzing just wide of the far post.
Coventry did find the leveller moments later through Siddall, after some good work from Lusala in the wide attacking channel. Lusala drove down the right with pace and found Siddall with his low cross into the area, allowing the forward to force home convincingly.
After the break, City pushed for their second with Aidan Dausch unlucky not to fire the Sky Blues ahead - but were unable to find an advantage.
Lusala was called upon to put in a defensive showing as he turned a goal-bound effort wide with an impressive block while Luke Bell made a number of saves between the posts.
Colchester's winner came midway through the second period, however, with an effort from range deflecting off both posts before being tapped in by an on-rushing forward.
Starting XI: Luke Bell; Dermi Lusala, Josh Gordon [Ben Blakely 45'], Kain Ryan, Callum Perry and MacKenzie Stretton; Joe McCallum, Elliot Betjemann [Trialist 54']; Rylie Siddall, Aidan Dausch [Charlie Finney 54'], Bradley Stretton [Trialist 54'].
Unused subs: Dan Rachel.
