Sanchez Watt and Jabo Ibehre both returned from injury as Colchester United played out a 2-2 draw with Conference Premier side Dover Athletic in their latest pre-season friendly.

The U's fell behind in the fourth minute when Craig Stone scored from the rebound after keeper Sam Walker had saved the home side's initial effort.

But Colchester were back on level terms on the half hour when Sammie Szmodics scored at the second attempt after Gavin Massey's cross had caused the Dover defence problems.

And they went ahead five minutes before half-time through defender Josh Thompson, whose header flew in off the underside of the crossbar from George Moncur's corner.

That gave Joe Dunne's side a half-time advantage and they went in at the break in charge, with Ibehre unlucky not to score when he was denied by the Dover keeper.

Massey missed a good chance to make it 3-1 but Dover equalised with 12 minutes remaining when substitute Nathan Elder side-footed home.

Both sides had chances to win it near the end but the spoils were shared.

Colchester play another pre-season friendly tomorrow when they travel to play Dagenham and Redbridge.