MATT Jay featured for Colchester United's under-21s in their 1-1 draw with QPR in the Premier League Cup, writes BRIAN WALLER.

The likes of Alfie Bendle and Joel Thompson also played, as the U's shared the spoils.

Rangers began the match well and almost took the lead when they hit the bar on 13 minutes.

The U's were in the game though and after the half hour mark went close but the R's trialist keeper tipped the shot away.

READ MORE: Colchester United player ratings after Chesterfield draw

However, Colchester took the lead on 32 minutes when the ball was won high up the pitch and Elkanah Akor set up the trialist to score.

Frankie Edwards was then booked just before there was a great save by U's keeper Harrison Chamberlain, to preserve the hosts' lead.

Rangers attacked after half-time and a deflected shot was well stopped by Bendle.

But after a flurry of chances the visitors equalised on 64 minutes, as Kieran Petrie set up Rayan Kolli to score.

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

Colchester goalkeeper Harrison Chamberlain made another fine save and the R's hit the bar again, as they pressed for a winner.

Late on there was a great defensive tackle by Akor and then in injury-time, the trialist shot was off target as the spoils were shared.

READ MORE: Reaction from U's boss Danny Cowley after Chesterfield draw

Colchester United U21: Harrison Chamberlain, Elkanah Akor, Frankie Edwards, Alfie Newby, Joel Thompson (sub Daniel Banjoko), Matt Jay, Alfie Bendle, Archie Oliver (sub Kaleel Green), Fela Abidkun, Trialist, Ollie Godziemski.

Subs (not used): Jack Beresford, Alex Kokoshi, Ronnie Harvey.

QPR U21: Trialist, Jaiden Putman, Jack McDowell, Noah McCann, Casey Shann, Teddy Tarbotton, Alex Aoraha, Kieran Petrie, Harry Murphy, Daniel Bennie and Rayan Kolli. Subs: Conor Clark, Jake Leahy, Hassan Hamid, Sam Manufor, Fraser Neill.