Despite the sunshine, it was a chilly morning as Joe Dunne's side made the perfect start, taking the lead after just four minutes.

Harrison Palmer produced an excellent pass down the left to release Brume Okuku, who advanced before finding the far corner to give Colchester an early advantage.

QPR responded almost immediately, but goalkeeper Oscar Parker was alert to deny the visitors’ centre-forward at his near post.

Colchester continued to threaten, with Okuku at the heart of much of their best attacking play.

He created an opportunity for Josh Adesanya, who fired over, before later setting him up again following a strong run down the left.

The U’s doubled their advantage in the 25th minute, following an excellent move.

Riley Smith’s superb cross-field pass picked out Dre Henry on the right and, as he delivered the ball into the box, he was challenged by the advancing QPR goalkeeper.

Impact - Josh Adesanya helped Colchester United under-18s beat QPR (Image: cu-fc.com)

The ball ran loose and Adesanya was on hand to finish into the empty net and make it 2-0.

QPR continued to pose a threat, particularly through their number nine, but Parker produced several important saves to preserve Colchester’s advantage.

The U’s also had chances to add to their lead, with Adesanya trying his luck from distance after spotting the goalkeeper off his line.

Parker remained busy after the interval, making a smart low save from QPR’s centre-forward before denying the visitors again as they pushed for a route back into the contest.

Colchester made four changes shortly before the hour, with Judah Blair Charles, Noah Kalema, Neo Lieu Smith and Ikhide Aideloje introduced.

QPR continued to apply pressure but were unable to find a way past a resolute U’s defence, while Colchester remained dangerous on the break.

Neo Lieu Smith almost added a third late on after winning possession and breaking clear, but his low effort went narrowly wide.

The U’s comfortably saw out the closing stages to secure a clean sheet and extend their encouraging unbeaten run to six matches.