Colchester United's U23s fell to a 3-1 defeat at home to Ipswich Town on Monday afternoon.
Fresh from a 2-0 win over Charlton, the U's took on Town at Florence Park aiming to make it back to back wins.
They were presented with an early chance to take the lead against the Tractor Boys, but Callum Jones missed his penalty kick to keep the scores at 0-0.
Town led 1-0 at half time, and extended their lead to three in quick fashion after the interval, with Danny Rowe (2) and Jordan Roberts putting them in command.
However, the U's did not give up and at least earned a consolation effort late in the game when Chris Forino headed home from around eight yards out to reduce the arrears.
The game finished 3-1, and the U's now face Reading in the Premier League Cup on Friday evening at the JobServe Community Stadium.