Colchester United play out draw with Bromley in League Two

Edwards netted from Jack Payne's deep cross on the hour mark to cancel out Michael Cheek's first-half penalty and secure the U's a second successive draw, following an entertaining contest at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Colchester boss Danny Cowley made three changes to his starting line-up.

Lyle Taylor was handed his first start for the U’s and Arthur Read and Harry Anderson were also named in the starting line-up, with Alex Woodyard, John-Kymani Gordon and Tom Hopper dropping to the bench.

Colchester started brightly and almost went ahead in the fourth minute.

Bromley defender Kamarl Grant's header towards his own goal from Jack Payne’s free-kick was heading in until it was tipped onto the bar by goalkeeper Grant Smith and off for a corner.

And soon after, Taylor's header sailed straight at Smith at the far post, after Samson Tovide had floated a cross into his path.

But the visitors were well in the game and Besart Topalloj's left-foot half volley sailed just wide of the post, after Grant’s long throw had caused problems in the U's box.

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

Colchester looked dangerous though, with Payne at the heart of all of their good play.

He was involved again when Taylor released into space by Tovide and the experienced striker saw his strike from a difficult angle fly wide of the far post.

However, Bromley went even closer in the 18th minute when former Braintree Town striker Michael Cheek's effort rattled a post, after Colchester had lost possession in a dangerous area.

Colchester almost scored again when Read's 25-yard effort was pushed away for a corner by the diving Smith.

But Bromley took a 23rd-minute lead when Cheek slotted home from the spot, after Ellis Iandolo had stood on the ball and then fouled Nyamabu Dinanga in the box to concede a penalty.

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

Colchester went on the hunt for an equaliser and goalkeeper Smith did brilliantly to punch the ball away from underneath his own crossbar, after Payne's inswinging corner had been heading for the net.

The U’s almost equalised in first-half stoppage-time when the impressive Tovide collected possession just inside the Bromley half before driving towards goal and unleashing a low shot that sailed inches past the post.

But Colchester went in at the break behind and Bromley almost doubled their lead in the opening minutes of the second half when Charles' header from Arthurs' corner was tipped over by Macey, who then made another save seconds later to push away Cheek's diving header.

However, Colchester levelled on the hour mark when Edwards prodded home Payne's deep cross at the far post, seven minutes after coming on as a substitute.

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

The U's were denied a penalty soon after when Edwards fell under Imray's challenge in the area and Tom Hopper also had a spot-kick appeal turned down, in the closing stages.

Bromley's Besart Topalloj was sent off in stoppage time for a second yellow card but the points were shared.

MATCH STATS: COLCHESTER UNITED: Macey, Egbo, Flanagan, Hunt (sub Edwards, 54), Iandolo, Read (sub Scully, 79), Bishop (sub Gordon, 71), Payne, Anderson (sub Woodyard, 71), Taylor (sub Hopper, 79), Tovide.

Substitutes: Goodliffe, Smith.

Bromley: Smith, Charles, Webster, Whitely (sub Reynolds, 90), Arthurs (sub Thompson, 71), Topalloj, Imray, Odutayo, Dinanga (sub Amantchi, 67), Cheek.

Substitutes: Sowunmi, Leigh, Olomola, Long.

Referee: Sam Purkiss.

Goals: Colchester: Edwards (61). Bromley: Cheek (23).

Bookings: Colchester: Egbo (foul, 53), Edwards (foul, 63). Bromley: Topalloj (foul, 3), Cheek (unsporting behaviour, 27), Odutayo (foul, 47, foul, 90).

Sending off: Topalloj (two yellow cards, 90).

Attendance: 4,877 (609 Bromley fans).