McGreal’s delight at Colchester’s deserved point

JOHN McGREAL was happy to prove the bookies wrong when his Colchester side held hotly-tipped promotion favourites Notts County to a goalless draw.

The U’s almost snatched a winner when Tom Eastman struck an upright with 15 minutes remaining, as impressive goalkeeping from Colchester’s Dillon Barnes ensured County fired a blank. Manager McGreal lauded the performance of his side to keep the Magpies, who were prolific last term, at bay in their opening encounter of the season.

He said: “Before the game we made it clear that Notts County have invested to put themselves where the bookies think they’re going to be and that’s in the topthree places

“I thought we were excellent, especially in the second half. We had the better chances – we hit the crossbar and Noubs (Frank Nouble) had great chance from a header” Opposing boss Kevin Nolan was complimentary of Colchester – already tipping the visitors for promotion contention.

Nolan said: “It was two teams who like to score goals and want to score goals, but they ended up shutting each other out because we know how important it is. Colchester are a good side, we were quite lucky to get the win against them last year.”

County almost took a fourthminute lead when debutant Enzio Boldewijn’s low shot was palmed around a post for a corner by keeper Barnes.

Barnes then had to be at his absolute best to palm over an effort from Nathan Thomas, who controlled on the edge of the area before trying his luck with a superb chipped effort.

Colchester came agonisingly close to claiming victory with 15 minutes remaining when Aaron Collins teed up Tom Eastman, who struck the crossbar with a delightful curled effort from the edge of the box as the spoils were shared.