RETURNING Barrow AFC frontman Scott Quigley will make the Bluebirds a handful for opposing teams in League Two.

That’s the view of Colchester boss Steve Ball, who admitted the striker caused his unbeaten side problems in Saturday’s 1-1 draw.

It was a long-awaited return from suspension for last season’s top scorer, with Quigley coming close to marking his comeback with a goal.

The 28-year-old hit the post as the Bluebirds came from behind to force a 1-1 draw thanks to Mike Jones’ stunning second-half effort.

Colchester chief Ball admitted Quigley made a significant difference to David Dunn’s side and has the ability and physique to unsettle teams at this level.

“Quigley was a real handful for them,” Ball said of Dunn’s men.

“We saw it last week with Nathan Delfouneso and Eoin Doyle with Bolton - and Barrow have Scott Quigley.

“For a big man, he’s surprisingly mobile and I thought he played very well for them.

“Teams will come to Barrow and struggle against them because he leads the line and he’s got some good players around him, as well.”

Quigley had to sit out three games at the start of the campaign because of a three-match ban incurred in March, shortly before the 2019/20 campaign was curtailed.

He went straight back into the side at the Progression Solicitors Stadium.

The draw left Barrow still awaiting their first win back in the Football League but Dunn was pleased with the way they fought back.

The Bluebirds also became the first League Two side to score against Colchester in the new league season.

Dunn’s side will now start preparations for next weekend’s Cumbrian derby against Carlisle United at Brunton Park - the first league meeting with Carlisle since 1964.

His opposite number on Saturday admitted that Barrow still have a degree of momentum from last season’s title glory and that can make them troublesome opponents.

Ball added: “They won a championship last season and when teams do that there is a high anyway for the club.

“I think a draw was about right. I actually quite enjoyed the game – I think it was a decent attacking game with lots of chances and two fantastic goals.

“Obviously coming in at half-time 1-0 up, there’s an element of disappointment about not winning the game.

“But you take the points away from home in this division and you have to be pleased with that.”