COLCHESTER United conceded a late winner as Championship new-boys Charlton Athletic ran out 2-1 winners in tonight’s entertaining pre-season friendly at the JobServe Community Stadium.

It was the U’s last warm-up match on home soil before their League Two curtain-raiser against Port Vale on August 3.

All that remains now is Saturday’s trip across the Kent border to Dover Athletic.

Boss John McGreal was given more food for thought after an encouraging performance against last season’s League One play-off winners – a side boasting the talents of former U’s striker Macauley Bonne.

They took the lead early in the second half thanks to an unstoppable long-range effort from Luke Norris.

However, Charlton snatched a deserved equaliser following a close-range effort from Abraham Odoh.

And they grabbed their winner from virtually the last kick of the game.

Alfie Doughty was again the provider with a left-wing cross that deflected in from close range, possibly off B Sarpong-Wiredu.

It was hard on the hosts after an enjoyable contest – an important part of both clubs’ preparations for the campaign ahead.

McGreal made a plethora of changes to his starting line-up.

In fact, only centre-half Omar Sowunmi and striker Frank Nouble kept their places from the side that lost 5-0 at home to Ipswich Town on Friday night.

Those drafted in were goalkeeper Ethan Ross, Ollie Kensdale, Luke Prosser, Paris Cowan-Hall, Brandon Comley, Harry Pell, Andre Hasanally and Luke Norris.

There was also a triallist in the side whose identity was being kept under wraps until after the game.

Those dropping out from Friday night were Dean Gerken, Kane Vincent-Young, Tom Eastman, Cameron James, Tom Lapslie, Ben Stevenson, Luke Gambin, Courtney Senior and Jevani Brown.

Ross was certainly the busier keeper in an entertaining first half, diving to keep out a low drive, making a couple of decent stops at his near post and turning over a rising effort from Albie Morgan.

However, Colchester also had chances.

Nouble dragged an effort wide of the far post, after being released by the impressive Andre Hasanally.

Norris’ deflected free-kick was brilliantly turned behind by the alert Ben Amos and the triallist had a thunderous effort blocked by George Lapslie – the younger brother of U’s substitute Tom.

Colchester took the lead four minutes into the second half.

Norris was their scorer with a thunderous strike from nowhere.

He unleashed a venomous effort from just outside the box and it flashed inside the top right-hand corner.

Shot-stopper Ben Amos could do nothing to keep it out.

Charlton responded positively and Callum Harriott remained a threat for Lee Bowyer’s Londoners.

He saw one effort blocked and another fizzed just over the bar.

It was therefore no great surprise when the visitors equalised on 71 minutes.

Substitute Odoh converted from close range after a great cross-field pass followed by a teasing low cross from Doughty.

Then, with almost the last kick, Charlton grabbed their winner after another inviting cross from Doughty.

It deflected into the net – either an own goal or possibly off Sarpong-Wiredu.