Milton Keynes Dons Under-18s bowed out of the FA Youth Cup at the Fourth Round stage after a 2-0 defeat at Colchester United.
The Category 2 Club secured their passage into the Fifth Round thanks to goals from Sam Cornish and Callum Jones setting up a tie with either Charlton Athletic or Reading.
Edu Rubio made just one change from the side that eliminated Cardiff City in the Third Round of the FA Youth Cup with Joe Evans replacing Recoe Martin.
Both sides looked to be suffering from nerves from the off with neither Colchester or MK Dons able to stamp their authority on the tie.
It was the home side, however, who had the first chance of the game. Callum Jones worked his way down the left before picking out Sam Cornish on the edge of the box. The midfielder hammered home from 10-yards to give the hosts the lead three minutes into the clash.
Following the opening goal, chances were few and far between for both sides with the game very much a midfield battle.
With 17 minutes on the clock, Finn Tapp carried the ball 25-yards before trying his luck from just outside the box - unfortunately his shot sailed over the crossbar.
With seven minutes left in the first-half, Liam Sole was a whisker away from levelling the scoring. The tricky winger jinxed past three Colchester defenders before cutting back onto his left foot and placing his effort narrowly wide.
Within five minutes of the restart, Dean Ager had two chances within quick succession to extend the U’s league. On both occasions, the Colchester United youngster curled his effort wide of Alfie Jones’ goal.
Colchester didn’t have to wait long to double their advantage though. With 59 minutes on the clock, Callum Jones converted from Andre Hassanally’s low cross and left Rubio’s side with a mountain to climb.
The boys from MK1 almost found their way back into the game just five minutes later, Joe Evans found himself unmarked following a short corner but he failed to test Harry Seaden.
With the game drawing to a close, David Kasumu was denied by a terrific save from Harry Seaden. The young goalkeeper got a strong right hand to the midfielder's effort - a strike that was destined for the top corner.
The young Dons were unable to break down a resilient Colchester defence with the home side progressing into the next round.
Starting XI: Jones; Ackom (Hourican-Harvey 46), Tapp (C), Hope, Sorinola (Robinson 73),; Kasumu, Pattison; Bell (Martin 56), Bird, Sole; Evans.
Unused subs: Rose, Wright..
Booked: Pattison, Kasumu.
Referee: W. Cartmel
Attendance: 262
