MICHAEL Fernandes scored Colchester United under-23s consolation as they were beaten 4-1 at Sheffield Wednesday, writes BRIAN WALLER.

The U's lost out at the Stockbridge Park Steels ground at Bracken Moor but two late goals for the hosts gave them a more comprehensive margin of victory.

Richard Hall's side faced a team with similar results to themselves of one draw and one loss this season. It was the Owls that they had lost to last season, when Noah Chilvers was on target in a 2-1 defeat and how things have changed for him recently.

Wednesday began the match well with keeper Callum Coulter saving well from an Alex Hunt set-piece.

And Coulter was soon in the action once more as he was denying Osaze Urhoghide as the Owls looked for the first goal.

Colchester did have their chances as Harvey Sayer rattled the bar with a fine strike.

But it was Hunt who continued to catch the eye as he hit a post with a fierce attempt.

And just when it looked to be a score-less first half, both teams scored in the last few minutes of it.

Jordan O'Brien fired Wednesday ahead four minutes before the interval, with a calm finish.

But Colchester were back on level terms three minutes later through Fernandes, who fired home from close range.

After the interval, the home team got on top again, as Liam Shaw warmed the hands of keeper Coulter from a fair way out.

Then Wednesday regained their lead six minutes after half-time when Fraser Preston's good work created the opportunity for Liam Waldock to make it 2-1.

From then on, Wednesday dominated things and two late goals by the home team saw the scoreline extended.

A superb effort by Ben Hughes crashed into the roof of the net with two minutes remaining.

And in stoppage time, Hughes scored again when O’Brien cut the ball back to him to score.