U's record victory at Elland Road.
After a first half with both teams failing to make their chances count, Colchester United's U21s took control in the second half to take the spoils at Elland Road.
Chances fell at both ends in a first half with little goal-action; Leeds defender Ross Killock saw a header narrowly miss the goal, whilst U’s forward Tariq Issa came close with Eric Grimes denying him to keep the game level.
The second half showed improvement from both sides with Kalvin Philips testing James Bransgrove early, and the game sank back into the first half's stalemate until the 63rd minute when U’s striker Dom Smith collected a well-timed through ball at the edge of the area, before slotting the ball past Grimes into the bottom corner to take the lead.
Leeds failed yet again to take their chances as the Colchester defence stood firm to resist the home side's attacks with Bransgrove again making a fine save from another Phillips strike.
Meanwhile, a now invigorated Smith looked much more confident, finding himself on the end of more balls from the U’s midfield.
It wasn't long before Colchester doubled the lead with a fine finish from Smith, his second of the game, an impressive nonchalant flick finishing a fine cross from the speedy Byron Lawrence on the left.
The frustrated Leeds side managed to pull back a goal shortly after in the 78th minute with sub Luke Parkin’s shot taking a deflection past Bransgrove.
Leeds looked set to take more of their chances but frustration amongst the youngsters set in further. Mistakes seeped into the Leeds game, leading to Dom Smith having a chance for his hat-trick denied with a strong save from Grimes to keep Leeds in the match.
The mounting pressure proved to no avail for Leeds as Colchester's strong defence proved too much and took the win.
The win for the U’s is an impressive follow up to the disappointing loss last week against Sheffield Wednesday; whilst the loss marks an end to an impressive streak for Leeds, who have topped the U21s North table this season.
Colchester: Bransgrove, Vincent-Young (Brampton), O’Donoghue, Roast, Lokko, Lapslie [C], Lawrence, Curtis, Hubble, Issa (James), Smith.
Subs: Carroll, Tennent