Josh Stephenson’s rocket earns Crewe a late point at Colchester
Harry Anderson had headed in the opener for the home side.
Josh Stephenson’s stunning stoppage-time equaliser secured Crewe a point in a 1-1 draw at Colchester and extended their unbeaten league record.
Stephenson lashed home in the third minute of time added on from Lewis Billington’s assist to earn the Alex a fourth successive draw.
Joe White and Jack Lankester had gone close early on for Crewe.
But Moses Sesay almost netted with a first-time effort for Colchester, who took a 27th-minute lead when Harry Anderson brilliantly headed home from close range after Oscar Thorn had gathered Jack Payne’s pass and delivered a fine cross.
Anderson curled over just before the break and Colchester started the second half strongly, with Payne forcing a low save from Crewe goalkeeper Tom Booth just after half-time.
Booth denied Ellis Iandolo and Sesay and Thorn struck a post with a fierce strike following Anderson’s fine pass as Colchester chased a second.
But Crewe stayed in the game and after the U’s had failed to clear their lines, Stephenson fired in left-footed to earn the visitors a point.