Colchester United’s under-21s maintained their solid start to the season with a 2-2 draw with Coventry City.

But John McGreal’s side will be disappointed they allowed a two-goal lead to slip in the second half, at Florence Park.

Colchester made a dream start when they took the lead in their Professional Development League Two clash inside a minute through Byron Lawrence.

The former Ipswich Town youngster fired the hosts ahead, from Drey Wright’s cross.

Coventry keeper Lee Burge denied Lawrence a second and Macauley Bonne was also denied, as the U’s started well.

Things got even better for them soon after when Bonne converted Michael O’Donoghue’s deilvery to double their lead.

Burge foiled both Dion Sembie-Ferris and Drey Wright, as the U’s finished the first half strongly.

Colchester went in at half-time leading 2-0 but Coventry battled back well in the second half.

Shaun Miller converted from close range to get the Sky Blues back into the game.

And he then latched onto Cian Harries’ long pass to round Colchester goalkeeper James Bransgrove and equalise.

Billy Daniels missed a great chance to win it for Coventry while at the other end, Bonne was denied by Burge.

But despite plenty of U’s late pressure, the spoils were shared.

Colchester United: Bransgrove, Vincent-Young, O’Donoghue, Lokko, Roast, Lapslie, Curtis (sub Smith, 71), Lawrence, Sembie-Ferris, Drey Wright, Bonne. Substitutes: Brampton, Hubble, Carroll.