COLCHESTER United were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw with lowly Carlisle United this afternoon.

It looked as though the U's might be on their way to a vital victory at the JobServe Community Stadium, after goals from Tommy Smith and substitute Tyreik Wright had cancelled out Omari Patrick's fine opener for the visitors.

But Tobi Sho-Silva's 86th-minute header denied Colchester victory, as the spoils were shared.

Colchester made three changes to their starting line-up, with Tom Eastman, Cole Skuse and Owura Edwards all in for Luke Hannant, Gene Kennedy and Tyreik Wright, who dropped to the bench.

Colchester were the dominant side in the opening 45 minutes and created all of the first-half opportunities.

Edwards blasted over from just inside the area in the eighth minute, after Luke Chambers had not connected properly with Alan Judge’s corner into the box.

And midway through the half, Chambers nodded over from Judge’s inswinging free-kick into the box.

Eastman hooked over from close range for Colchester from skipper Tommy Smith’s assist, after goalkeeper Mark Howard had spilled Myles Kenlock’s free-kick into the box.

Colchester came closer to scoring as the first half drew to a close.

U’s leading scorer Freddie Sears fired a good chance over from inside the area after Judge’s ball had sent him clear of the Carlisle defence.

Howard saved Judge’s free-kick before Colchester came close to breaking the deadlock again, a minute before half-time.

Skuse’s fine side-footed effort from 25 yards was brilliantly palmed away by the diving Howard, as the teams went in level at the break.

Having not had a shot in the first half, Carlisle needed less than a minute after half-time to register one on goal, with Windsor's low strike from the edge of the area comfortably saved by Sam Hornby.

And Hornby was called into action again to deby Windsor soon after, making a fine reflex save to deny the Carlisle attacker.

Carlisle's impressive start to the second half eventually paid dividends in the 51st minute when Patrick picked up possession and went past Chambers before curling a superb shot into the far corner past Hornby. 

It was a big blow for Colchester and not long after, Brown made changes bringing on Wright for Eastman and switching to four at the back, in a bid to get back in the game.

But the U's levelled in the 69th minute when skipper Tommy Smith headed home from close range, after Sears had lifted the ball into his path in the area.

And Colchester were ahead, five minutes later.

Substitute Wright blasted home from close range at the second attempt after his first effort had been blocked, following Myles Kenlock's assist.

But Carlisle did not give up and equalised in the 86th minute when Tobi Sho-Silva stooped to head home Joe Riley's cross unmarked from close range, as the U's played out a third successive home draw.

MATCH STATS: COLCHESTER UNITED: Hornby, Eastman (sub Wright, 61), Chambers, Smith, Tchamadeu, Kenlock, Skuse, Wiredu (sub Huws, 84), Judge, Edwards, Sears.

Subs (not used): Welch-Hayes, Hannant, Kennedy, Andrews, George.

U’s man of the match: Owura Edwards.

Carlisle United: Howard, Armer, Simeu, Riley, Mellish, Feeney, Whelan, Sho-Silva (sub Devitt, 86), Roberts, Patrick, Windsor (sub Dennis, 79).

Subs (not used): Devine, Alessandra, Gibson, Omotoye, Norman.

Referee: Lee Swabey (Devon).

Bookings: Colchester: Chambers (unsporting behaviour, 70). Carlisle: Riley (foul, 33), Roberts (foul, 40).

Goals: Colchester: Smith (69), Wright (74). Carlisle: Patrick (51), Sho-Silva (86).

Attendance: 2,664.