Harrison Burke on target as Colchester and Walsall share points from draw

Colchester and Walsall played out a 1-1 draw that did little to enhance either team’s Sky Bet League Two play-off hopes.

Walsall had an early penalty appeal rejected when Alex Pattison tumbled under Ellis Iandolo’s challenge in the area, shortly before Colchester goalkeeper Matt Macey pushed Pattison’s shot over for a corner.

Teddy Bishop’s strike sailed just wide and Walsall keeper Myles Roberts pushed away Jack Payne’s powerful 20-yard shot while Macey saved Pattison’s header before the interval, as the sides went in goalless at the break.

Roberts made a good stop to deny Payne who found himself through on goal after Harrison Burke’s slip had let him in.

But Walsall took a 64th-minute lead when Burke prodded home the loose ball, after Macey had parried Mason Hancock’s free-kick into his path.

However, the visitors’ lead lasted only four minutes as Harry Anderson headed in Arthur Read’s corner at the near post to equalise.

Walsall substitute Vincent Harper cleared Samson Tovide’s strike off the line late on as the spoils were shared.