Michael Nelson's fourth goal of the season denied Colchester victory as Hartlepool secured a 1-1 draw.

Colchester denied by second-half equaliser

Michael Nelson's fourth goal of the season denied Colchester victory as Hartlepool fought back to secure a 1-1 draw. Defender Nelson rose to head in Gary Liddle's corner at the near post with 20 minutes to go to secure a point for Chris Turner's side. Colchester goalkeeper Jimmy Walker denied Sam Collins early on and Anthony Wordsworth's brave challenge foiled Ritchie Jones' goalbound shot. The Us responded through Mark Yeates' speculative 30-yard effort which forced Pools goalkeeper Arran Lee-Barrett to tip over the bar. However, a minute before half-time, Scott Vernon controlled well and fired Colchester ahead from close range after Wordsworth had flicked on Marc Tierney's pass. Nelson then levelled things up for Pools and although Lee-Barrett made a good stop to deny substitute Steven Gillespie late on, Colchester were forced to settle for a draw.