A late, late equaliser denied Colchester United a precious victory at Gillingham this afternoon.

The U's were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw at the Priestfield Stadium, after Doug Loft scored deep into stoppage-time to deny them all three points.

It was a cruel blow for the U's, who were ahead twice in the contest and looked to be heading to victory after Chris Porter had headed them back in front with three minutes to go, after Max Ehmer had cancelled out George Moncur's opener.

Colchester almost fell behind after just 20 seconds when U’s goalkeeper Sam Walker parried Cody McDonald’s shot in the area, after Luke Norris had done well to pick out the former Witham Town striker’s run.

But although Walker also saved Aaron Morris’s half-volley midway through the first half the U’s looked controlled in possession.

Colchester forced numerous corners in the opening 45 minutes but were unable to make them count.

And although striker Porter headed straight at keeper Glenn Morris, the U’s seemed to lack a cutting edge in the first half despite the threat of Jacob Murphy on the left flank.

Colchester almost conceded just before half-time when Norris’s curling effort from the edge of the area flew just over the bar, as the first half finished goal-less.

The U’s, who sent on Gavin Massey at half-time for Dion Sembie-Ferris, had a great chance to take the lead just after the restart when Porter found himself with only Morris to beat after a mix-up in the Gillingham defence but dragged his shot wide with only Morris to beat.

Gillingham thought they should have had a penalty just before the hour when lively substitute Jermaine McGlashan went down under Briggs’ challenge in the area but referee Darren Sheldrake waved away their claims.

Colchester were forced to make another change when skipper David Fox limped off and was replaced by Sammie Szmodics.

But the U’s went ahead just after the hour when Moncur blasted home from 12 yards, after Porter had headed a cross into his path at the far post.

Gillingham pressed for an equaliser after that, with Walker doing well to tip Bradley Dack's header over the bar and then denying the same player, seconds later.

And the Gills equalised with eight minutes remaining through Ehmer, who headed home from Loft's free-kick into the area.

Porter restored Colchester's lead with three minutes remaining when he headed home from Briggs' excellent cross.

But Gavin Hoyte hit the bar for the hosts and Briggs was then dismissed for a second bookable offence, before Loft smashed in Gillingham's equaliser in the sixth minute of stoppage-time and denied Colchester a vital win.

For a full match report, pictures and reaction to Colchester’s game at Gillingham, see Monday’s Daily Gazette.