Colchester United 2 Portsmouth 2

COLCHESTER United had to make do with a point following tonight’s League One thriller against Portsmouth.

Magnus Okuonghae appeared to have snatched all three points for the U’s, when he crashed home Anthony Wordsworth’s 84th minute corner.

But substitute Jordan Obita grabbed an equaliser just a minute later, with his very first touch, sweeping home the rebound after Luke Rodgers’ initial effort had struck a post.

Earlier, Michael Rose crashed home one of the best goals ever seen at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Rose let fly from 30 yards out, with his trusty left boot, the ball screaming past dazed keeper Mikkel Andersen and into the top corner of the net.

It was a cracking first-time effort from the U’s left-back, after Pompey had failed to fully clear Wordsworth’s corner, delivered in first-half injury-time.

It was also Rose’s first goal for the club.

Earlier, Pompey had taken a 29th minute lead, thanks to Luke Rodgers’ slick finish from Liam Walker’s defence-splitting through ball.

The U’s had received a boost before kick off with Gavin Massey signing from Watford on a three-year deal. The winger-cum-striker had played eight games on loan for the U’s last season.

Squads

COLCHESTER: Cousins, Wilson, Okuonghae, Heath, Rose, Bean, O’Toole (sub Bond, 82), Henderson, Wordsworth, Sears, Morrison (sub Wright, 79). Unused subs: Duguid, Eastman, White, Gilbey, Pentney.

PORTSMOUTH: Andersen, Dumbuya, Connelly, Long, Harley, Walker, Williamson (sub Webster, 34), Howard, Compton (sub Obita, 84), Rodgers, McLeod. Unused subs: Eastwood, Harris, Clifford, Djilali.

Referee: L Collins

Attendance: 4,335 (1,114 away fans)