Fleetwood Town's Under-21s fell to a 4-0 loss against Colchester United in their opening Professional Development League match at Poolfoot Farm. The Young Cods began the contest brightly, looking to establish possession and take control during the opening exchanges. However, a sustained spell of pressure from the visitors changed the complexion of the game, with Colchester opening the scoring when Adesanya volleyed home after the ball had bounced around the Fleetwood penalty area. The U's doubled their advantage shortly afterwards. Adrian Akande found space before producing a composed finish into the bottom-right corner. Akande was on target again to make it three, this time finding the top-left corner with an impressive strike that left the Young Cods facing an uphill battle. Colchester continued to threaten and almost added another, but the resulting effort was kept out as Fleetwood attempted to regain some control of proceedings. A fourth goal did arrive before the 25-minute mark, though, as the visitors bundled the ball home following another attack inside the Town penalty area. With the game becoming increasingly competitive, Costello was shown a yellow card following a late challenge. Fleetwood believed they had reduced the deficit as half-time approached. A dangerous delivery from the right was fumbled by the Colchester goalkeeper and bundled over the line, but the officials ruled that the ball had gone out of play before the cross was made. That meant the visitors retained their four-goal advantage heading into the interval. The second half proved to be a far quieter affair, with Fleetwood containing Colchester more effectively and preventing the visitors from adding to their tally. The Young Cods were reduced to ten men moments before the final whistle, compounding a difficult afternoon for the hosts. Town continued working in search of a consolation, but clear opportunities were limited and Colchester saw out the remainder of the contest to secure all three points. Fleetwood Town currently sit 15th in England League Two, with 61 points from 46 games last season. They have scored 57 goals and conceded 58 this season, with a goal difference of -1. They are 26 points behind leaders Bromley in the title race and next face Tranmere away on February 27, 2027.