COLCHESTER United under-21s claimed a 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers in their fourth Premier League Cup game, writes BRIAN WALLER.

Liam Bailey's side, which included Matt Jay, claimed a share of the spoils at Maldon and Tiptree FC, after a goal by their trialist cancelled out an early strike by Paul Murphy-Worrell.

Colchester had the game's first effort on goal as the Rovers keeper Adam Khan was down to save from Daniel Banjoko.

Then the away side went very close when Murphy-Worrell crossed from the right and Harley O'Grady-Macken forced Harrison Chamberlain to make a save down by his left hand post.

Blackburn took the lead on nine minutes when a cross from the left was converted by Murphy-Worrell.

Colchester looked for a response and midway through the half, good work by Ollie Godziemski set up Hakeem Sandah who cut in from the left but was denied by a superb save from the Rovers keeper.

And four minutes before half-time, Colchester were level when trialist B cut in from the right and scored with a fine left-foot shot.

Matt Jay's free-kick was tipped clear by Khan before the break, as the sides went in level.

There was pressure from Rovers early in the second half with corners won; an effort by one of the away subs was saved before Drysdale's chip was held by Khan.

When trialist B attempted to break late on he was pulled back by Adam Caddick but for some unknown reason the referee failed to book him, as Colchester claimed a draw.

Colchester United U21: Harrison Chamberlain, Elkanah Akor, Fela Abidkun (sub Rash Drysdale), Frankie Edwards, Alfie Newby, Trialist A, Matt Jay (sub Alex Kokoshi), Daniel Banjoko (sub Kai Martin), Hakeem Sandah, Trialist B, Ollie Godziemski. Subs (not used): Jack Beresford, Kaleel Green.