Kit Symons' caretaker spell in charge of Colchester United ended in dramatic fashion at Whaddon Road today.

A goal deep into stoppage time by veteran Barry Hayles helped Cheltenham Town complete a dramatic comeback, recovering from being 3-1 down to win 4-3.

Colchester had enjoyed a two-goal cushion for a brief time in the second half.

But Hayles' header deflected off Matt Heath in the fifth minute of stoppage time, after Lloyd Owusu had helped on Alan Wright's free-kick to leave Colchester heartbroken, following a pulsating encounter.

Anthony Wordsworth scored his first professional goal for Colchester just before the midway point in the first half, after Michael Townsend had sliced John White's cross and goalkeeper Scott Brown had only parried away.

But the Robins were back on level terms when Darren Kenton looped a header past keeper Dean Gerken, after Alex Russell had crossed at the second attempt.

It did not take Colchester long to regain their lead though.

Wordsworth bundled in Mark Yeates' low cross from three yards, after some good interplay by the U's.

Things got even better for Colchester six minutes into the second half when Johnnie Jackson slotted a low shot past Brown.

However, two goals in three minutes turned the game on its head.

First Owusu slotted in, despite Gerken's protestations that he had been fouled in the build-up to the goal.

And Cheltenham were back on level terms again when Stuart Fleetwood slotted in from the penalty spot, after referee Andy Penn spotted a handball in the area, before Hayles nicked it for the Robins.

New manager Paul Lambert, who watched his new club from the stands, will officially take charge of the U's on Monday.

For a full match report, pictures and reaction to the U's eventful 4-3 defeat at Cheltenham, see Monday's Gazette.