TWO superb first-half goals helped Colchester United under-21s claim a 2-0 win at Luton Town in their final Premier League Cup game, writes BRIAN WALLER.

Fine goals from Chay Cooper and Hakeem Sandah helped Liam Bailey’s side secure victory at Kenilworth Road, under the watchful eye of U’s first-team head coach Danny Cowley.

There was an early yellow card for Ronny Nelson after his challenge saw Johnson needing treatment after a blow to his head.

On 12 minutes a good run by Hakeem Sandah was ended when he was fouled just outside the box.

From the resulting free-kick in, thee ball was cleverly played to Marley Marshall Miranda but his curled effort missed the target.

A minute later and there was a superb save by Colchester goalkeeper Ted Collins, with Will Greenidge then making a good clearance.

Luton had broken swiftly with Phillips one on one with Collins, who denied him.

After some good build up play, Cooper cut in but his effort went wide.

But Colchester took the lead on 27 minutes with a superb strike by Cooper, as he burst forward and his effort went in off the underside of the bar.

Luton went close again but the attempt brushed the side netting.

On 43 minutes Kaleel Green twisted and turned but his shot from a tight angle went wide.

Just before half time Colchester scored again Sandah controlled the ball before firing a half volley which burst through the hands of home keeper Camis. Straight after half time, the header by Nelson went wide then Archie Oliver was booked.

Luton then went close twice as from one the shot hit the bar, with Collins saving the follow up.

First home player Nelson then Greenidge needed treatment with the latter replaced by Elkanah Akor.

Collins then denied Pillington with a fingertip saved as he curled an effort in.

A second U’s change saw Kennedy Mupomba replace Archie Oliver, then the trialist was on for Green.

A minute from time Marshall Miranda was booked, but the visitors had done enough to win the match. COLCHESTER UNITED U21: Ted Collins, Will Greenidge, Ronny Nelson, Frankie Terry, Jet Dyer, Gene Kennedy, Chay Cooper, Marley Marshall Miranda, Hakeem Sandah. Archie Oliver, Kaleel Green.

Substitutes: Elkanah Akor, Kennedy Mupomba, Bayan Aman, trialist, Harrison Chamberlain.