JUNIOR Ogedi-Uzokwe made his comeback appearance for Colchester United under-23s - but it was not enough to prevent them from losing 2-0 at home to Millwall, writes BRIAN WALLER.

Ogedi-Uzokwe is back at the U's following his six-month loan spell with National League side Bromley, where he scored six goals in 25 appearances.

But the striker could not help Colchester's under-23s start the new year on a winning note, as they slipped to defeat at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Kevin Horlock's side also featured first-team players Dillon Barnes, Ollie Kensdale and Diaz Wright, in the Professional Development League Two fixture.

Dean Ager's shot flashed just wide early on while at the other end, U's keeper Barnes saved from James Brown.

Millwall took the lead just after the half hour mark through Jethro Hanson, who beat Barnes low down to his right with a crisp right-foot strike.

The U's almost fell further behind just before half-time when Wright made a great block to deny Mason Saunders-Henry, after a poor back-pass had resulted in Barnes inadvertently setting up a Millwall chance.

Millwall went close again early in the second half when Rob Harvey's shot burst through Barnes' hands, hit a post and come out again, allowing the relieved U's keeper to gratefully gather the ball in.

A minute later, Louis Dunne was robbed of possession on the edge of his own area by Harvey but he was baled by Kensdale's great tackled.

But as Colchester prepared two substitutes just before the hour mark, Lewis White was caught by David Agboola's challenge in the area and the referee pointed to the spot.

Saunders-Henry did not hit his spot-kick very well hit and Barnes made an easy save down to his right but when the ball ran loose, the taker was then able to put away the rebound.

Colchester came close to pulling a goal back with three minutes to go when Lions defender Mich'el Parker sliced the ball over his own bar.

And in injury-time, the U's registered probably their first effort on target when Ogedi-Uzokwe headed Dean Ager's cross into the arms of keeper Ryan Sandford as the visitors claimed victory.

Colchester United: D Barnes, Agboola (sub trialist, 59), Kensdale, Forino, A Barnes (sub Anderson, 59), Chilvers (sub Charles, 80), Dunne, Miller, Wright, Ogedi-Uzokwe, Ager.

Substitutes (not used): Hallett, Hutchinson.