Colchester United U21s kept up the pace in the quest for second spot in the league, with a good 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

The result – courtesy of young Zimbabwean International Macauley Bonne double – ensured that they continue to push for a place which will see them into the U21s Development League play-offs, with Millwall and Cardiff having also won earlier in the day.

Bonne’s first goal came after just 57 seconds as he concluded an excellent passing move with an even better finish into the top corner.

Colchester were on top for much of the first half, with Bonne and the visiting keeper Erlandsson having an ongoing battle through the match.

The home side took a single goal lead into the half time interval and faced a different challenge after the break as Forest came out on the front foot.

But, led by the impressive Jamie Harney and Callum Harrison, Colchester kept the visitors at bay and extended their lead midway through the second half.

Bonne finally won his battle with Erlandsson, stepping onto Kieran Bailey’s fantastic through ball to slide the ball past the onrushing keeper.

Colchester ensured they stayed strong as the final twenty minutes unfolded, with Dillon Barnes helping the U’s to a fourth clean sheet in a row and an eighth win in eleven.

It sets up a big game with Millwall at Florence Park on Thursday.