Morrison strike earns U's a point (From Gazette)

Morrison strike earns U's a point

4:52pm Saturday 25th August 2012 in Sport By Jonathan Waldron

Clinton Morrison scored his first Colchester United goal to help his side earn a 1-1 draw with promotion favourites Sheffield United this afternoon.

Morrison's goal earned the U's a third successive draw, in front of a crowd of 4,017 at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Sheffield United dominated the first half and U's defender Matt Heath was forced to clear from underneath his own crossbar early on, after Stephen Quinn's shot had only partially been cleared by keeper Mark Cousins.

But the U's fell behind in the 17th-minute when Manchester United loanee John Cofie looped a long-range effort over Cousins and in, after finding room outside the area.

The Blades threatened to add to their lead between then and half-time.

David McAllister went close with a header and Cofie should have done better when he blasted over the bar from close range, after Kevin McDonald had rounded Cousins and picked him out.

Tony McMahon went close with a free-kick early in the second half and Cousins was forced to save with his legs at his near post, following Nick Blackman's close-range effort, as the U's struggled to create meaningful goalscoring chances.

McMahon's effort from the edge of the area flashed just wide for Sheffield United but the U's were back on level terms with 18 minutes to go through Morrison, who converted from close range after Magnus Okuonghae had helped on Anthony Wordsworth's corner in the area.

Ex-Sheffield Wednesday Morrison made the most of his celebrations, running half the length of the field to cup his ears to the visiting Blades fans who had been giving him stick throughout the match.

Substitute Andrew Bond struck the inside of the far post with five minutes to go, as the U's claimed their third successive draw.

See Monday's Gazette for a full match report, pictures and reaction to Colchester's game with Sheffield United.