Jonathan Forte scored twice on his debut as Oldham drew 2-2 at Colchester in an entertaining opening-day clash.

Colchester took a seventh-minute lead when newly-appointed skipper Magnus Okuonghae steered a low shot past Oldham goalkeeper Paul Rachubka, after Jabo Ibehre's effort from Craig Eastmond's corner had been blocked. But Oldham equalised 11 minutes later through Forte, who capitalised on a misunderstanding in the U's defence to burst into the area and slot into the net. Ibehre lifted a shot wide with only Rachubka to beat, before Oldham took the lead five minutes before half-time when Forte finished tidily following good play by Brian Wilson in the area. Freddie Sears went close just after the break and Rachubka tipped over Alex Gilbey's superb overhead kick seconds later as Colchester pressed. The U's equalised just before the hour-mark through substitute George Moncur, who lashed in from a difficult angle after Sears' effort had rattled a post. Forte hooked over midway through the second half as a thrilling contest finished all-square.