Substitute Kyreece Lisbie’s second-half equaliser secured Colchester a point in a 1-1 draw with Crewe Alexandra.
Colchester went close early on when Arthur Read’s low shot flew straight at goalkeeper Tom Booth.
However, Crewe took a 39th-minute lead when Josh March was found by Reece Hutchinson and fired low past goalkeeper Matt Macey and inside the near post after Colchester had surrendered possession.
The home side came close to an immediate equaliser when Bishop’s strike from Jack Payne’s short free-kick was pushed away by Booth for a corner, while Crewe could have doubled their lead on the hour but substitute Jack Powell’s free-kick whistled past a post.
Yet it was Colchester who drew level in the 66th minute when Lisbie headed home at the far post from Read’s corner.
Lisbie spurned a gilt-edged chance to score again five minutes later when he sliced wide with only Booth to beat after being sent through on goal by Jaden Williams.
The Crewe keeper then denied Williams and Josh Powell late on as the points were shared.
