Paul Hayes' second-half brace handed Scunthorpe a point in an entertaining 3-3 draw with relegation counterparts Colchester.

Hayes hauled the Iron, who had won their previous two games, back into the game after Nigel Adkins' side conceded two goals in the first three minutes of the second half to leave them trailing the Us 3-1.

Kevin McLeod had given the visitors the lead after 11 minutes with a close range header but Jonathan Forte converted the recalled Matthew Sparrow's cross to equalise just three minutes later.

Scott Vernon's spectacular overhead kick after 47 minutes and McLeod's second of the game just a minute later had looked like consigning the Glanford Park side to defeat.

However Hayes' put the home side back into contention after 67 minutes when a volleyed home from six yards out to reduce the deficit.

The 23-year-old then completed the comeback eight minutes from time when he lashed home his eighth of the season to share the spoils in what will be a League One fixture next season.