A brace from Dominic Smith helped Colchester United’s under-21s claim a superb 2-1 win at Leeds United.

Smith struck twice to help the U’s claim an excellent victory at Elland Road, with Luke Parkin’s late deflected effort proving just a consolation for the hosts.

U's under-21 boss John McGreal said: "It was a really good team performance.

"We took a very young side up to Leeds, with four or five under-18 boys in the squad.

"They worked tirelessly and it certainly wasn't a smash and grab performance.

"It was an entertaining game with chances at both ends and it was great for the boys to win it.

"It was certainly a vibrant bus on the way home!"

Colchester sent a young squad to the Professional Development League Two game, with McGreal’s side boasting very little in the way of first-team experience.

They took on a Leeds side which featured plenty of players with Football League experience.

The hosts’ side included former Reading striker Noel Hunt and ex-West Ham United and Paraguay under-20 international, Brian Montenegro.

And Leeds have been performing well this season, topping the under-21 north table.

The first half was an even affair, although Ross Killock’s header came back off the crossbar for the hosts.

Leeds keeper Eric Grimes denied Tariq Issa before the break and the second half was livelier, with Colchester keeper James Bransgrove denying Kalvin Phillips.

Colchester took the lead just before the midway point of the second half when Smith collected a pass on the edge of the area before slotting into the bottom corner.

And after Bransgrove had once again foiled Phillips, the U’s doubled the lead after Smith benefited from Byron Lawrence’s fine cross to score his second of the game.

Leeds got back into the game with 12 minutes remaining when substitute Parkin’s deflected effort flew into the bottom corner.

Smith had a chance to complete his hat-trick before the end when he was denied by Grimes while Montenegro also went close for the home side, as the U’s youngsters claimed a notable victory.

Colchester United: Bransgrove, Vincent-Young (sub Brampton), O’Donoghue, Roast, Lokko, Lapslie, Lawrence, Curtis, Hubble, Issa (sub James), Smith.

Substitutes (not used): Carroll, Tennent.