On-loan winger Elliot Lee believes Colchester United should take plenty of encouragement from Saturday’s 3-3 draw with high-flying Wigan Athletic, ahead of the U’s final 10 games of the season.

The U’s are bottom of League One and nine points adrift of safety but, one or two defensive errors aside, looked nothing like a side that looks set to go through the trapdoor and into League Two come the end of the season.

“Nobody gave us a chance against Wigan as they are right at the top of the league, but we went confident we could win,” said Lee.

“To concede a very unfortunate goal in the last minute was disappointing, but we can take a lot of positives from the game and feel proud.

“We have 10 games left and we have just drawn with Wigan, who are one of the best sides in the league with one of the strongest squads. On another day, we would have won.”

Lee was an instrumental figure as Kevin Keen’s men snatched a draw from the jaws of victory at the Weston Homes Community Stadium at the weekend. He scored the hosts’ second equaliser and supplied the ball for George Moncur that led to the midfielder being upended for the penalty that put Colchester 3-2 up.

The forward, enjoying a second temporary spell with Colchester from Premier League West Ham, added: “Personally I was happy with my performance but it was a little bittersweet for me and the lads were unlucky.

“I started on the left (wing) and had a bit of joy, and then I moved up top to my natural position and put the ball through for Moncs’ (Moncur’s) penalty.”

Lee’s goal, meanwhile, his first since returning to the club, was a collector’s item, his left-foot shot flying past experienced goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen in the Wigan goal.

“As a striker you never stop trying to get at the defender. Jussi, who I know from West Ham, made a few good saves, but luckily one went in,” added Lee, who is out-of-contract with the Hammers in the summer.

“That’s why I have come here. My contract is up at West Ham at the end of the season – I don’t know what is happening there – and hopefully I can do what I do best and whatever happens, happens.”

The U’s are away at third-placed Walsall tomorrow.