COLCHESTER United under-23s slipped to a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Hull City at Maldon and Tiptree FC this afternoon, writes BRIAN WALLER.

Richard Hall and Dave Huzzey's side were beaten by their Northern section opponents, in their latest Professional Development League Two clash.

Billy Cracknell, Sam Cornish, Andre Hasanally, Marley Marshall-Miranda and Tom Stagg all featured for Colchester, along with trialists.

Hull dominated the opening half on a cold and windy afternoon, although Stagg was denied by the keeper after breaking forward and linking with his fellow striker.

Jordan Flores' left-foot effort was superbly pushed around the post by the U’s keeper for a corner, midway through the first half.

But Hull grabbed the lead after 27 minutes when a cross in from the left was pushed home from close range by Ahmed Salam.

The Tigers had strong penalty shouts soon after when the U’s right-back clipped a City player, but nothing was given.

But after a good shot by Flores was pushed down by the Colchester keeper, he was soon beaten nine minutes before the break.

After a cross came in from the left,right-back Matty Jacob controlled the ball well and sent a bouncing left-foot shot under the dive of the home keeper.

The only U’s response was a 30-yard effort which went sailing well over, while Stagg was unable to get his shot on target at the near post.

Colchester trailed at the break but there was a response after half-time, as early corners were won.

However, Louis Beckett and Josh Hinds both had chances to make it 3-0 but put their attempts wide.

Stagg's powerful left-foot drive forced the City keeper to make a very good save up to his right but the trialist substitute put the rebound in to reduce the deficit for Colchester, just before the hour.

City then had a few mad moments as a few of their players were in trouble with the referee, with their captain Andy Smith booked for a foul on Marshall-Miranda.

Hull were then reduced to ten men when a bad foul by Harry Wood saw him receive a second yellow and then a red.

Seven minutes from time, the U’s were given a chance to equalise as a one-two in the box saw the U's full-back upended to win a spot-kick.

But the windy conditions did not help as Stagg was trying to keep the ball on the spot.

And with the City keeper doing his best to put him off, the U’s striker sent his spot kick just wide of the right hand post.

With time almost up, Marshall-Miranda was denied by the keeper who held onto his shot after good play by one of the trialists but Hull held on for the win.