There was another chance to see striking prospect Luke Sheekey but in truth he had a disappointing evening alongside Brian Fitzgerald. Rangers made most of the early running without being too much of a threat. Stamp sent a volley against the bar from a Daly corner but that was as much of a threat as Rangers mustered.

Colchester took the lead when they headed home a corner following some extremely generous marking from the young Rangers side. Culkin got hands to the ball but could only palm it into the corner of the net.

Murphy and Daly, the best two Rangers players on the park, were withdrawn at half time with an obvious eye on tomorrows squad. Murphy was the pick of the two, turning in yet another performance that must be making Holloway change his opinion of this player. He may only be half the size but he is twice the player Williams is.

Colchester's second came as the game drew to a close. An attack down the right hand side led to a deflected shot flying past Culkin. The former Manchester United keeper had earlier turned an effort onto the post when it seemed certain Colchester would add another.

Patsy Gradley almost pulled one back in the closing stages but his effort was hacked off the line for a corner. Overall this was a pretty poor performance from a very young side. One player who can hold his head up high is David Booles, the youngster looked strong on the left side and may be one to keep an eye on in a couple of years.

(Apologies for not having the scorer's names but there was a distinct lack of a PA at Northwood tonight not to mention no bloody burger van).