Colchester United manager Paul Lambert praised his captain Dean Hammond after his late goal salvaged a point at Huddersfield Town.

The U’s looked like they were heading for defeat until Hammond curled in a fine free-kick from the edge of the area in stoppage-time to secure his side a 2-2 draw.

Skipper Hammond made an impressive return to the Colchester starting line-up at the Galpharm Stadium last night, scoring twice.

And boss Lambert was delighted with the midfielder’s performance.

He said: “Dean’s second goal was top drawer.

“It was the accuracy that beat the goalkeeper and it was a great free-kick.

“I thought that he was terrific.

“The rest on Saturday probably did him the world of good and him and Kem (Izzet) were both terrific.”