Colchester United Reserves 2 Harlow Town 1

COLCHESTER United left it late, but they duly booked their place in the last four of the Essex Senior Cup thanks to two goals in the last quarter-of-an-hour at the Weston Homes Community Stadium tonight.

Harlow took the lead inside the first minute of the second period, through Scott Smith’s header from Michael Deane’s cross.

But the U’s were back on level terms in the 75th minute, thanks to a close-range effort by John-Joe O’Toole following a deflected free-kick by Michael Rose.

Four minutes later and an unfortunate own goal from Donny Barnard secured the U’s spot in tomorrow’s semi-final draw. Barnard could only slice Kem Izzet’s cross into his own net.

It was a strong U’s side in action, including first team squad members Mark Cousins, Pat Baldwin (on the comeback trail from a fractured toe), Izzet, O’Toole and Ben Coker.

Colchester United starting XI: Cousins, Hamilton, Baldwin, Aldred, Rose, Izzet, Sanderson, O’Toole, Coker, Ladapo, Arnott.