Having picked up a few injuries in the week leading up to the game, the U's used the opportunity to give a number of the U16s players a chance to step up to the plate with the U18s side.

It was a long, wet trip down to Brighton, but the match was an entertaining one with numerous chances for both sides, with the two teams looking very uncertain in defence

Brighton probably edged possession in the first half and created some reasonable chances. As in the game against Dagenham, Shaun Phillips was in good form and he pulled off some fine saves to keep the Seagulls out. 

The U's had good chances of their own, but they gave away possession cheaply.

Despite that, the visitors took the lead on 37 minutes. Jack Folan was the provider, crossing to back post for Craig Arnott to head home past the keeper.

That settled the U's down but their advantage was short lived. 

A bad back pass was intercepted by the striker and although Shaun Phillips made a good save from the first attempt, the ball went straight to another Brighton striker to tuck home into the empty net.

With Tony Humes' team talk still fresh in their ears, the U's found themselves 3-1 down within five minutes of the restart and from there, they were always chasing the game.

Ross Gilfedder and Drey Wright came on for Freddie Ladapo and Jack Folan and they gave Colchester a fresh lease of life, but the home side found themselves 4-1 up with ten minutes remaining after another defensive error put the U's into trouble.

Despite that setback, the U's did keep going and Craig Arnott grabbed a further two goals at the end of the game to make it a good day for him personally.

Starting Eleven: Phillips, Folan, Redgrave, Ajim, Cranmer, Mafuta, Gilbey, Sanderson, Ladapo, Arnott, Melaugh

Subs: Robins, Wright, Gilfedder, Roast