GOAL! The Foxes began brightly with an Iain Hume strike which gave Leicester the lead on 19 minutes. Matty Fryatt slid the ball through for the Canadian to slide the ball under the stretching goalkeeper.
The foxes had two goals ruled out due to offside with centre back Patrick Kisnorbo being denied a seventh goal of the season.
Rob Kellys side controlled the early stages of the game against a Colchester side who have won their last 11 league games at Layer Road.
Colchester failed to test 'Keeper Henderson with only a free kick coming close for the home side.
On the stroke of half time skipper McCarthy limped off the pitch with a twisted ankle.
HALF TIME
GOAL! Colchester are awarded a controversial penalty for a foul by McCarthy on Iwelumo who converts the spot kick past Henderson moments into the second half.
Danny Tiatto strikes a free kick just wide of the post in City's best chance of the half so far.
Colchester have a huge momentum boost after the penalty decision and are beginning to control the game.
The home side continue to pressurise the Foxes backline with a Duguid free kick inches wide of the post.
Iain Hume and Matty Fryatt begin to enjoy possesion around the Colchester area.
Alan Mayburys vicious 30 yard strike produces a fine save from Gerken who parries the ball away for a corner on 79 minutes.
Matty Fryatt fails to make an impact, striking the ball straight at the advancing 'keeper with a great opportunity to take the lead.
Hume is brought down in the penalty area, the referee waves play on and Hughes can only head the ball over the bar.
In-form striker Danny Cadamarteri replaces Matty Fryatt with minutes of the game remaining.
Colchester striker Ephraim has a goal cancelled out for a foul on McCarthy during the lead up to the goal.
The Referee sparks controversy with some outrageous decisions late on.
Speedy Levi Porter crosses the ball from the left for Hume who steers the ball into the hands of Gerken.
FULL TIME
Colchester 1-1 Leicester City
Hume 19'
Iwelumo 47'