COLCHESTER United boss Matty Etherington says his side achieved their objective after beating Peterborough United 1-0 to progress to the Bristol Street Motors EFL Trophy Round of 32.
Brad Ihionvien's first-half strike proved enough to secure the U's victory over their League One opponents, at the JobServe Community Stadium.
It means Colchester have finished as runners-up in their group behind Posh and now face an away draw, in the knockout stages.
Etherington said: "The main objective before the game was to go through to the knockout stages and we performed really well.
READ MORE: Match report as Colchester see off Peterborough in EFL Trophy
"There's plenty to look forward to, when the draw is made.
"You never know in this competition; funny things can happen and if momentum builds, you never know.
"We wanted to get through to see what happens and we've done that."
Colchester's winner came in the 42nd minute.
Ihionvien fired home a first-time effort from close range, after Peterborough goalkeeper Fynn Talley had pushed Chay Cooper’s cross straight into his path.
"It was a good finish by Brad," said Etherington.
"There were bodies in front of him but the contact on the ball is really good and he's found the back of the net, so I'm really pleased for him.
"He's a typical striker; he can be a greedy little so and so at times but I don't want to take that out of him.
READ MORE: Colchester United 1 Peterborough United 0 - as it happened
"He scores goals and hopefully, he'll continue to do that in the first team.
"I thought we were good, apart from the opening three minutes.
"We got a grip on the game and a little bit more tempo into it.
"I thought we were really good in the first half.
"There were a few tired legs out there in the second half and we had to make the changes, but it was good."
Colchester made several changes in the second half to help preserve their lead, with youngsters such as Frankie Terry, Gene Kennedy and Donell Thomas introduced towards the end.
Etherington added: "We changed the shape a bit towards the end, just to get extra numbers across the backline.
"I've worked with the young players like Frankie (Terry), Gene (Kennedy) and Donell (Thomas), Chay (Cooper) as well, who started.
"I know them and I know that I can rely on them."
Etherington came up against his former club Peterborough, where he played and coached and pitted his wits against his coaching colleague, Darren Ferguson.
He added: "Darren probably won't be too happy about the result, he's not a great loser, as am I.
"It was great to be up against him and I've got the upmost respect for him."
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