Colchester 1-1 Sheffield Utd
Last updated on .From the section Football
Colchester came from behind to earn a point against Sheffield United.
The Blades took a first-half lead when Ched Evans's cross found Will Hoskins, who lifted the ball over Ben Williams.
The U's had created few chances before Steven Gillespie's strike ricocheted in off the post to bring them level.
Gillespie almost put the hosts ahead moments later but keeper Steve Simonsen got a hand to his effort, while Evans saw his drive go agonisingly wide at the other end.
The Blades are now two points clear of third-placed city rivals Sheffield Wednesday, while the U's sit seven points off the play-offs.
VIEWS FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Colchester United manager John Ward told BBC Essex:
"Two good teams, not a great deal between them. They've got a £3m centre-forward and a lot of very good players and they showed that at times.
"But we've stood up and matched them. We stayed with the game, even going a goal down.
"We didn't get pulled around. In the second half, the goal restored that confidence with the ball, and we gave them quite a number of problems.
"I thought it was a very, very good game of football all the way through."
Sheffield United manager Danny Wilson tells BBC Radio Sheffield:
"It was a very tough match, you have to say that prior to the game we never thought we would get any favours here.
"We were disappointed in the goal we conceded, not actually with the finish, it was an absolutely magnificent finish I have to say, but the way we have given the ball (away) in a defensive area.
"We've had the lion share of possession, played some good stuff, got in good positions, but we haven't tested the keeper enough.
"It's a point and a point away, it could be an important point come the end of the season."
