TOMMY O'Sullivan grabbed a late equaliser as Colchester United's under-23s came from behind to draw 1-1 at Ipswich Town.

After a goal-less first half, Town took the lead through former Braintree Town loanee Monty Patterson.

However, O'Sullivan secured a useful point with a well-taken effort into the top corner.

Colchester had the first chance when a cross from Tariq Issa led to an effort by O'Sullivan that went behind for a corner.

From it, a header by Cole Kpekawa was held by Town keeper Michael Crowe.

Ipswich went close as Patterson set up Ben Folami but, on the turn, his shot hit the keeper's right-hand post.

Both teams had their chances as an O'Sullivan header went wide and Folami's shot was held by Dan Wilks. However, on 41 minutes, Colchester should have led after Eoin McKeown dispossessed George Fowler. However, clear in on goal, his shot struck the post.

It was 0-0 at half-time but soon after the restart a foul on Cameron James saw Issa put his free-kick over the bar and a Crowe punch went to O'Sullivan.

Thirty yards out, he promptly tried his luck with a shot that was held by the Town keeper.

On 53 minutes, Ipswich led as, after good work by Folami, Patterson held off a defender to net for a 1-0 lead.

McKeown then had two great chances which he failed to take and McKendry set up Folami, but keeper Wilks saved well.

The U's equalised after 83 minutes as O'Sullivan side-stepped a couple of defenders before shooting past Crowe.