Colchester United 1 Sheffield United 1

DEADLY marksman Steven Gillespie rifled home his ninth goal, in his last 10 appearances, to hold second-placed Sheffield United to a draw at the Weston Homes Community Stadium tonight.

Gillespie cancelled out Will Hoskins’ first-half opener with a superb long-range equaliser in the 56th minute.

Kayode Odejayi set up the chance for Gillespie by showing terrific strength to fend off his marker, and nudge into his fellow striker’s path.

Gillespie still had much to do, but his first-time shot from the edge of the box beat keeper Steve Simonsen, and flew into the net via the underside of the bar.

It was the ex-Cheltenham striker’s 11th goal of the season, an impressive haul considering that he rarely had a start during the first half of the campaign.

This latest effort also stretched the U’s fine recent run to just one defeat in nine games.