CITY Reserves ended their Totesport.com Combination - East Division campaign with a 1-1 draw against Colchester United at Maldon Town's Park Drive.

In a game full of chances, it was the hosts who struck first five minutes before the break. Defender Lee Beevers reacted first to prod home a corner after 'keeper Declan Rudd had made an initial save.

Ian Crook's side levelled midway through the second half. A flowing move started by left-back Alex Stephens and Sam Kelly released Remy Gordon and his well-delivered cross was met by the diving head of Matt Ball.

Theo Jones - who had only been on the field less than five minutes - was sent off with ten minutes remaining for a professional foul on Steven Gillespie after tangling with the former Liverpool trainee in the box. However, Rudd went the right way to keep out Gillespie's penalty and ensure a share of the spoils. City end the season third in the division.

Speaking to canaries.co.uk after the match, Crook said: "The boys were absolutely brilliant against a strong Colchester United side. The last few weeks have seen some of our best performances this year. The young boys have really stepped up to the plate against some decent teams and in turn gained valuable experience.

"To finish third is a good achievement but as I've said all along it's not about results, although it is nice to win, it's about developing the younger lads and their attitude has been first-class all season long."

CITY: Rudd (Matthews 81), Brindley (Jones 75), A.Stephens, Lathrope, D.Kelly, S.Kelly (McKenzie 81), Gordon, Ball, Drmola, Dawkin, Oakley.