MARTIN Rowlands could well have played his last game for Colchester United, after pulling his hamstring during the closing stages of yesterday’s 1-1 home draw against Hartlepool.

Recruited on a short-term contract in January, after being released by QPR, Rowlands has made a big impact with the U’s.

But the 34-year-old has been dogged by injuries as well, and his contract expires at the end of the season.

Manager John Ward confirmed: “Martin always gives us quality in midfield, but he’s pulled his hamstring now so we will probably lose him until the end of the season.

“There’s a history of all that with Martin, I am afraid. He gets these injuries, and it’s a shame because he did make a difference.

“I didn’t start him, because he had only had a couple of days training. But it wasn’t a risk, because he had trained properly and was fit. It was just one of those things,” added Ward.

An 81st minute penalty by Freddie Sears, his first goal for the club, secured the U’s a seventh draw in their last eight outings.

Sears’ late penalty cancelled out a 17th minute opener from Pools’ midfielder Antony Sweeney.