Colchester United’s under-23s suffered their second Professional Development League Two defeat of the season this afternoon after losing 3-0 at Watford.

With the U’s first team in action at Newport County tomorrow night, Wayne Brown fielded a youthful side at Vicarage Road.

Joy Mukena nodded over at the far post for Watford early on while Colchester goalkeeper Dan Wilks tipped Brandon Mason’s 20-yard effort over the bar, as the hosts started well.

Colchester fell behind just after the half-hour mark when Brice Dja Djedje scored from the spot, after Michael Folivi had been fouled in the area.

And the Hornets quickly doubled their lead soon thanks to Folivi’s superb individual goal, which saw him race down the left, cut inside and blast home past Wilks.

Colchester went in at half-time 2-0 down and found themselves with it all to do in the second half.

Charlie Rowan headed wide early in the second half, before the U’s fell further behind when Folivi netted, after Djedje had helped on Andrew Eleftheriou’s cross from the right.

Randell Williams’ effort from Mason’s cross flew just wide soon after as Watford claimed a comprehensive win.

COLCHESTER UNITED U23 (squad): Wilks, Phillips, Brown, Wilson, W. Wright, Sturgess, Triallist, Warde, Issa, Allarahkia, Senior, Ager, Sheriff, McKeown, Edge.