Colchester United rescued a late point against Bradford City thanks to a Jamie McDonnell header but their winless league run now stretches to eight matches.
McDonnell got on the end of an Arther Read corner to snatch what could be a vital point.
The Opening 45
Harry Anderson went close for Danny Cowley’s side when he broke free down the right, drove to the edge of the Bradford area but dragged his shot wide.
It was the visitors who took the lead on the half-hour mark when The U’s could only half clear a cross. The ball was fired back into the danger area and eventually broke to Andy Cook, who rifled the ball into the bottom corner from eight yards out.
The home side had a chance to get back on level terms when some neat play down the left found the on-rushing Jack Payne on the penalty spot but his touch let him down. The ball broke and Lyle Taylor felt he should have been awarded a spot-kick before Harry Anderson blazed wide.
Second Half Action
Samson Tovide could have levelled things as he broke away from the City defence, only to see his close-range effort strike the leg of keeper Sam Walker.
The home side eventually found a way through in the ninth minute of added time. Goalkeeper Matt Macey had made his way forward for Arthur Read’s corner. Read delivered the ball to the back post where on-loan Nottingham Forest midfielder McDonnell had made his run.
The 20-year-old headed the ball down onto his leg and it found its way past Walker in the Bradford goal.
Manager Reactions
U’s boss Danny Cowley praised the togetherness his side showed in grabbing a draw so late in the day.
“You can’t fault the spirit and the togetherness, on and off the pitch. We showed fight and a never-say-die attitude.”
“That’s not just the players, that was the supporters too, because they stayed with us.”
His opposite number Graham Alexander was left feeling gutted at losing two points late on.
“It’s really disappointing. I’m gutted for the players because the work they’ve done this week and then taken into the game has been superb.”
Writer’s View
Colchester still can’t buy a win but their resilience and the fact they kept going right till the end will please the management. Bradford will be devastated to lose two vital playoff-chasing points so late on.
