Josh Stephenson's stunning stoppage-time equaliser secured Crewe Alexandra a point and denied Colchester United victory at the JobServe Community Stadium. The 1-1 draw leaves Colchester 12th in the League Two table with seven points from their opening five matches.
Harry Anderson had given the U's a first-half lead with a close-range header, but the visitors struck deep into added time to extend their unbeaten league run to four games. The result means Colchester's recent form reads two wins, one draw and two defeats from their last five outings.
Colchester broke the deadlock in the 27th minute. Jack Payne found Oscar Thorn on the left, and his cross was met by Anderson, who powered his header home from inside the six-yard box. It was a well-worked move that rewarded the home side's early pressure, after Crewe's Joe White and Jack Lankester had gone close at the other end.
Tom Booth in the Colchester goal was called into action shortly after half-time, making a low save from Payne. Moses Sesay then forced Booth into another stop with a first-time effort that almost crept in. The U's came closest to a second when Thorn struck the post with a fierce drive following a fine pass from Anderson.
Crewe pressed late on and their persistence paid off in the third minute of stoppage time. Colchester failed to clear a loose ball in their penalty area, and Stephenson was on hand to fire home the dramatic leveller. "It's a tough one to take so late," said a club spokesperson after the final whistle.
The point sees Colchester maintain their mid-table position, now five points behind early leaders Bristol Rovers. Their next match is away to Mansfield Town on Saturday.
