Late equaliser secures U's a point at Dean Court (From Gazette)

Late equaliser secures U's a point at Dean Court

4:51pm Saturday 21st April 2012 in Colchester Utd By Jonathan Waldron

Making strides - Colchester United's Ian Henderson moves towards goal during Colchester United's 1-1 draw with Bournemouth. Picture: WARREN PAGE

A late equaliser from Tom Eastman helped Colchester United secure a point in a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth this afternoon.

Eastman turned in substitute Michael Rose's low cross following a short corner with seven minutes to go at Dean Court, to secure the U's their ninth draw in 11 matches in League One.

Andrew Bond rattled the woodwork in the opening stages for Colchester, while Brian Wilson saw his long-range shot tipped over by Cherries goalkeeper, Darryl Flahavan.

But the U's fell behind a minute later in controversial circumstances when Shaun MacDonald rounded goalkeeper Mark Cousins, who started his first game in more than seven months, and slotted in.

Colchester were incensed as they felt Wes Thomas was in an offside position in the build-up to the goal but referee Stuart Atwell allowed it to stand.

Colchester responded well to the setback and goalscorer MacDonald was forced to clear Anthony Wordsworth's effort off the line.

But Scott Malone's effort was cleared off the line minutes after the break and Cousins pushed away Wes Thomas's drive, as the Cherries started the second half well.

Kayode Odejayi was sent on for skipper Kem Izzet just after the hour in a bid to carve out more attacking opportunities for the U's.

But Charlie Daniels almost put the game beyond them with 16 minutes to go when he drilled a low shot wide of the far post, from Malone's clever pass.

Rose tested Flahavan's agility with a long-range effort as the clock ticked down.

But Colchester finally got back on level terms with seven minutes to go when Rose's drilled low cross was turned in by Eastman in a crowded area, to secure another 1-1 draw.

For a full match report, pictures and reaction to Colchester's game at Bournemouth, see Monday's Gazette.