COLCHESTER United's new marksman, Clive Platt, announced his arrival on the Championship stage with a dramatic late equaliser at Sheffield United on SaturdayThe Blades record signing, £4million James Beattie, had broken the deadlock midway through the second-half, but it was the U's own record signing who had the last laugh with an 89th-minute header.

By Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United's new marksman, Clive Platt, announced his arrival on the Championship stage with a dramatic late equaliser at Sheffield United on Saturday

The Blades record signing, £4million James Beattie, had broken the deadlock midway through the second-half, but it was the U's own record signing who had the last laugh with an 89th-minute header.

“I knew it was in, as soon as the ball came off my head. The keeper (Paddy Kenny) was standing still, and there was no way he was going to save it. I was starting to celebrate before the ball hit the net,” enthused Platt, a £300,000 capture from League Two club MK Dons.

“The Championship is a big step up for me, but the boys have made me feel very welcome. And this is a brilliant result for us!

“Not many teams will come back twice to get a draw at Sheffield United this season. It wasn't as though we were being battered either. We deserved the point,” added Platt.

Injuries to Kevin Lisbie and Jamie Guy meant that a half-fit Teddy Sheringham was forced to start the match, alongside Platt in attack.

“It was brilliant to play alongside Teddy,” said Platt, who will be able to play at Shrewsbury in the Carling Cup tomorrow, before starting a three-match ban.

“Teddy had only played 20 minutes in pre-season, but he got through the whole 90 today. He didn't stop working, or talking. He was always communicating, and he really helped me.”