COLCHESTER United's under-18s have got 2022 off to a winning start, writes BRIAN WALLER.

Liam Bailey's side ran out 4-1 winners at Millwall, in their latest Professional Development League match.

Against opponents that the U’s normally did not do very well against, they began the New Year well with a very good win on their travels.

Having lost 4-0 to the same opponents back in September in the League Cup, the roles were reversed this time as they met in the league.

Colchester had raced into a 3-0 lead by the hour mark.

And although Millwall pulled a goal back after 66 minutes, the U's wrapped up their win with a fourth goal, three minutes later.

Colchester's big win was secured by goals from Ryan Lowe, Kai Redgrave, Bradley Ihionvien and Kaan Bennett.

This was Colchester’s first away league success of the season and came after the Lions had won the previous nine meetings.

The U’s under-18s' last success was back in October, 2015.

Colchester's under-18s are counting down to their big FA Youth Cup tie at Newcastle United.

The fourth-round clash is set to take place at the Magpies' Whitley Park training ground next Monday (kick-off 7pm).

The winners of the tie will travel to play Blackpool in the fifth round of the prestigious competition.