Kevin Lokko’s late headed goal helped Colchester United’s under-21s secure a thrilling 3-3 draw with league leaders QPR this afternoon.

The U’s took on a Rangers side who are top of Professional Development Under-21 League Two (South), having lost only once this season.

But John McGreal’s side more than held their own at Harlington and having led twice, might easily have snatched victory late on.

Macauley Bonne and Tyler Brampton were both denied by Rangers goalkeeper Conor Hudnott, early on.

But Colchester took a 13th minute lead when Bonne rounded Hudnott before slamming home, after beating the offside trap.

However, Rangers were back on level terms three minutes later through Ben Pattie, who converted Jordan Gibbons’ cut-back.

Darnell Furlong, son of former Chelsea and QPR striker Paul, had a shot cleared off the line for the hosts.

But Colchester restored their lead two minutes before the break.

Bonne netted from close range, after Sammie Szmodics’ pass had deflected into his path.

Colchester goalkeeper James Bransgrove denied Josh Laurent’s powerful shot.

But QPR were level again eight minutes after half-time through Gibbons, who converted well from Bruno Andrade’s cross.

Dion Sembie-Ferris was foiled by Hudnott while Laurent went close at the other end, as a thrilling game ebbed and flowed.

Bransgrove tipped Pattie’s header onto a post and then denied Gibbons’ follow-up.

But Rangers took the lead for the first time in the game midway through the second half when Pattie headed home Andrade’s cross.

However, the U’s refused to lie down and after Hudnott had done brilliantly to deny Callum Harrison, the visitors got back on level terms again.

With seven minutes remaining, Lokko powered a header into the top corner from Sembie-Ferris’s cross to equalise.

Colchester pushed for a winner in the closing stages and were twice denied by Hudnott late on, as an entertaining match finished all square.

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