Colchester United's U23s fell to a narrow defeat to in-form Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon.
The Blades came into the match on the back of a four game unbeaten run, but it was a closely fought first half as both teams cancelled each other out.
However, the home side did go into the break ahead, as Harvey Gilmour struck from distance to break the deadlock.
And, having taken the lead, they doubled that advantage just four minutes after the restart.
Tyler Smith was slid in behind the U's defence and he kept his composure to slot home and make it two.
The U's did get a goal back late in the game as William Portman handled in the box and Tarryn Allarakhia made no mistake from the spot.
But time was in short supply for the U's, and they fell to a 2-1 defeat.