Colchester United U23s unbeaten start to the season came to an end on Monday, as Nottingham Forest ran out 5-2 winners at Florence Park.
The U's had gone four games without losing this season, but their run was broken by Forest, who extended their own unbeaten run to four matches with their victory in north Essex.
Forest took the lead early on, but the U's drew themselves level thanks to a fantastic effort from Tarryn Allarakhia. He drove forward 30 yards and slotted home to make the score 1-1.
A quick-fire double at the start of the second half saw the visitors race into a 3-1 lead, but the U's gave themselves hope when Eoin McKeown finished smartly to reduce the arrears to one.
However, another two goals in the latter part of the game ensured that Forest took the three points on this occasion.
Next up for Wayne Brown's men is a trip to Yorkshire to take on Huddersfield Town next Monday.