Cole Kpekawa was handed a rare start in a Colchester United back three yesterday, and the 21-year-old ex-QPR trainee played his part in a gritty 0-0 home draw against Cambridge United.

U’s boss John McGreal chose to switch from his recent flat back four, by introducing Kpekawa for only his fourth league start of the season, and his first since last October.

Operating alongside the in-form central defensive duo of Frankie Kent and Tom Eastman, Kpewaka helped the U’s to extend their fine recent run to just two defeats in 17 matches.

“We were on top in the first half, which is when we should have taken our chances, “explained Kpewaka.

“I think there were three points for the taking today, but we kept a clean-sheet and I thought we defended well. We were just missing a goal.

“I was delighted to get a start. It was good to be back and to get some minutes under my belt,” added Kpekawa.