Jamie McDonnell scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to rescue Colchester a point in a 1-1 draw at home to Bradford.

McDonnell headed in Arthur Read’s corner at the far post in the ninth minute of time added on to cancel out Andy Cook’s first-half opener.

Colchester went close early on when winger Harry Anderson unleashed a low cross-shot which flashed just past the far post while Read also almost netted with a low strike.

But Bradford took the lead on the half hour when Cook fired a low powerful shot past goalkeeper Matt Macey in a crowded area after Bobby Pointon’s effort was half blocked and fell into his path.

Richie Smallwood almost doubled Bradford’s lead before half-time with a first-time effort.

However, Colchester nearly levelled soon after the break when half-time substitute Samson Tovide raced clear of the Bradford defence and beat Brad Halliday for pace before firing in a shot that goalkeeper Sam Walker saved at his near post before McDonnell struck a late, late equaliser.