The Latics and Colchester fought out a 2-2 draw in an exciting game at Boundary Park. The Latics had to do it the hard way though as they allowed the U's to sail into a 2-0 lead. The game started off at a fast pace with both teams earning early corners, one from which Chris Taylor forced another corner after his goalworthy attempt was deflected clear. The visitors took the lead in the tenth minute with a goal from Fox which looked suspiciously off-side, but the linesman was having none of it. Nick Blackman almost had the Latics level in the 25th. minute but the U's keeper pulled off a good stop to keep the visitors lead intact.
With the rain pouring down the Latics remained on top but their goal efforts were fluffed or scrappy attempts. Ex-Latics player Mark Tierney (pictured) was booked just before the half-time whistle when he cynically brought down Deane Smalley. Minutes later Whitaker nearly sneaked a goal from an acute angle but again the keeper responded well and the half-time score remained at 1-0 although the Latics were unlucky and had had the better of the possession.
Colchester really put the Latics fans into mysery when they increased the lead four minutes after the restart with a looping header by Odejayi. Tierney fell foul of the official when he picked up his second yellow card in the 55th. minute and had to leave the field in an embarrassed state. Taylor was brought down in the box in the 62nd. minute and he stepped up to convert the kick himself to give the Latics some hope of recovery. Five minutes later Joe Colbeck skimmed the crossbar with a 40 yard screamer which deserved better. Colchester were on the back foot as the home side piled on the pressure. Excellent wing work was creating some good openings and when Ryan Brooke came on as substitute the forward line looked much sharper. Ten minutes from time the Latics were unlucky again after Brooke just missed connecting and Whitaker drove the ball just wide of the upright as the Latics stepped up another gear.
With just three minutes left the blues got the goal which their endeavour had earned. It came when Brooke stooped to head the ball in from close range. It was deserved reward as the Latics had been cutting high-flying Colchester to shreds with wave after wave of clever attacking play. The U's were camped in their own half for the last 20 minutes of the game and the whistle came as a big relief to them after the Latics incessant bombarding of their goalmouth. It's a shame that no more than 3,607 where at Boundary Park to witness the match.