Colchester United boss Paul Lambert was happy to see striker Steven Gillespie continue his first-team comeback against Scunthorpe United.

The U’s record signing was a second-half substitute in the goal-less draw with the Iron at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, playing the final 25 minutes after replacing Scott Vernon in attack.

It was Gillespie’s second substitute appearance, following a two-month lay-off with a hamstring injury.

And although the former Cheltenham Town striker spurned a good chance to win the game for Colchester near the end, boss Lambert was nevertheless pleased to see Gillespie continue his recovery.

He said: “When we get Steven match fit, he will be a big plus for us.

“He is getting chances and that’s a good thing.

“He had a chance against Luton in midweek and he had another chance (against Scunthorpe).”

Lambert was generally pleased with his team’s performance against Scunthorpe but felt the U’s had enough opportunities to turn one point into three.

“I thought we were the better side,” he said.

“We started the game really well and we created some great chances to win the game.

“I’m delighted with the clean sheet but I thought that we had done enough to win it.

“The onus is on us as the home team to make the running.

“It was a great atmosphere and the fans were terrific for us – I thought it was a proper game.

“The fans saw what we had done last week (at Leeds) and they knew that we played well against a team that is up there.

“You can see why Scunthorpe are up near the top of the table and it was a decent point.”