Garry Monk was delighted with how his Cambridge side performed despite losing to QPR in the first round of the Carabao Cup.

The U’s bowed out 2-1 after a thrilling tie, with Michael Frey and Paul Smyth decisively netting before half-time for the Championship side.

“It’s one of those nights where you’re disappointed with the result obviously, but I could not have been any prouder of that performance,” said Monk, who saw Paul Digby cut the deficit.

“It was a good representation of what we want to be this season.

“The two goals were poor from our point of view, really avoidable but that happens, but the response each time was really strong.

“The second half, wow, just totally dominant. We had more than enough chances. How we did not come off that pitch with a result, you feel for the players but I could not feel any prouder of them.

“I said if we get one goal the roof will come off and it did that. It’s what we want this place to be like this season.”

QPR boss Marti Cifuentes felt his side, having made six changes, created competition for places with their victory.

“We had a very good period in the first half, a brilliant goal from great collective play, some chances to score not only the second but the third goal,” he said.

“The second goal came in an important moment because Cambridge started to push a bit more.

“Perhaps the second-half performance was not the best but we went through in a cup game. It creates internal competition that I want to have in the team.”