A LATE equaliser helped Colchester United’s under-21s claim a 1-1 draw with Leeds United in their latest Professional Development League Two match.

The U’s looked like they were heading for defeat at Thorp Arch in their penultimate game of the campaign when a left-wing cross was deflected in at the far post in the closing stages, to earn them a share of the spoils.

Colchester fielded a young under-21 side, with some of the regular more senior members of the squad involved with the first team at Crewe Alexandra tomorrow night.

But the likes of Tosin Olufemi and new signing Dexter Peter did feature.

Colchester keeper James Bransgrove saved Paul McKay’s goalbound header early on but the U’s fell behind midway through the first half.

Jack McKay scored from the spot, having been fouled in the penalty area.

Michael Taylor volleyed into the side netting for Leeds soon after and Lyman’s strike clipped the crossbar, as the hosts went in search of a second goal.

Bransgrove made saves from Frank Mulhern and Mallik Wilks in quick succession on the hour mark but Colchester were still in the game and Leeds keeper Eric Grimes was forced to tip away substitute JJ Wilson’s goalbound effort.

The U’s pressed for an equaliser as the clock ticked down and it finally came with four minutes to go, to earn Colchester a draw.

Colchester’s under-21s play the final game of what has been a productive season when they travel to play Queens Park Rangers next Monday.

COLCHESTER UNITED: Bransgrove, Olufemi, James, Peter, O'Donoghue; Harrison, Regis; Allarakhia, Bailey, Curtis; Edge. Substitutes: Wilson, Pollard, Syrett, Cosgrave.