Jamie McDonnell scored his first professional goal in the dying seconds of Colchester’s 1-1 draw against Bradford City, salvaging a deserved point for The U’s.
Colchester manager Danny Cowley said after the game McDonnell’s goal was "a reward from the footballing gods" for his battling, tenacious, hard-working performance. Praised for breaking up counter attacks, defending on the front foot and his sprinting recovery runs, Cowley said McDonnell "did all the basics that you need to be able to do if you’re going to be a really good professional footballer."
It was another full game for both McDonnell and defender Aaron Donnelly, who are continuing to get a consistent run in the starting XI.
Promotion-chasing Bradford had taken the lead in the first half, with what was the away side’s only shot on target in the game. Colchester had the better of the second half and eventually got their goal with one of the last kicks of the game. Arthur Read’s looping corner found McDonnell unmarked at the back post, and the midfielder’s header was enough to beat Sam Walker in the Bradford goal.
The Essex side, who have drawn three of their last four in the league, head to seventh placed Grimsby this weekend bidding to get back to winning ways.
Wigan Athletic weren’t in action last weekend, but travel to Barnsley on Saturday, with Dale Taylor in line to be in the squad.
Manni Norkett didn’t feature in Cheltenham’s 3-2 defeat at MK Dons, but will be hoping to be in the matchday squad on Friday night as The Robins host 19th placed Tranmere in League Two.
Esapa Osong is continuing his recovery from a minor injury in a bid to regain his fitness ahead of the busy festive period for Rotherham.