Max Clark netted a penalty for the second successive game to earn Gareth Ainsworth a point in his first home match as Gillingham boss with a 1-1 draw against Colchester.

Jack Payne’s early strike had given Danny Cowley’s men the advantage but the hosts battled back to put a dent in Colchester’s play-off chase.

Gillingham started well and should have taken the lead on 13 minutes but Joe Gbode’s effort from close range went inches wide.

Colchester went ahead against the run of play in controversial circumstances seven minutes later when Owura Edwards managed to steal possession from Sam Gale on the byline and pulled the ball back for Payne to stroke home.

The home side felt the ball had left the field of play in the build-up but the goal stood.

Matt Macey was forced into a fine save to keep the visitors ahead on the half-hour, tipping over Robbie McKenzie’s powerful volley.

The Colchester stopper was equally alert at the start of the second half, this time palming away an effort from Elliott Nevitt.

Sub Oli Hawkins had an immediate impact late on and was denied by Macey before winning the penalty which Clark duly converted.