Fresh from scoring a dramatic equaliser in the Cheshire derby last weekend, Reece retained his spot in The Silkmen’s starting XI as they hosted Play-Off chasers Colchester at Moss Rose. It was the home side who deservedly struck first, Scott Wilson firing Sol Campbell’s side into the lead on the stroke of half-time.

However, The Us levelled two minutes after the restart. Former Bee Courtney Senior was felled in the box, Frank Nouble stepping up to bury the penalty. Reece had a trio of second-half opportunities but couldn’t find a way past the frame of the goal or Colchester’s Rene Gilmartin as the two sides shared the points. Town remain a point from safety ahead of Saturday’s trip to mid-table Crawley Town.

Elsewhere, an ankle injury kept Josh Clarke out of Burton Albion’s 1-1 Sky Bet League One draw at Shrewsbury Town; Tyrese Campbell and David Templeton sharing early goals at The Montgomery Waters Meadow. There was no fixture for Jack Bonham or Canice Carroll with Bristol Rovers and Swindon Town’s scheduled opponents involved in Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round action.

In the National League, Jarvis Edobor was an unused substitute as Maidstone United sunk deeper into relegation trouble following a 2-0 defeat at home to Bromley while Justin Shaibu was left out of the 18 for Boreham Wood’s 4-0 defeat on home soil against Hartlepool United.