McGreal makes his point in drab draw

COLCHESTER United head coach John McGreal was determined to focus on the positives following his side’s goalless home draw with Morecambe.

The Us extended their unbeaten league run to five matches and kept a second successive clean sheet, following the stalemate against the Shrimps.

The draw leaves Colchester four points off the play-off places but head coach McGreal said: “It was a tough game and the positives were another clean sheet and a solid performance in that respect, knowing that we still have a bit of work to do in our attacking third.

“The boys are in a really good vein of form with 18 points from nine games and five clean sheets in that time and they have a bit of a reputation, but they have to be able to handle the ball and move it quicker.

“We brought three attacking players on and we weren’t sitting on the point – we wanted to go and win.”

Morecambe boss Jim Bentley thought his side were worthy of their point, after an impressive defensive display against their in-form hosts extended their own unbeaten run to three matches.

Bentley said: “It was always going to be a big game for us but I have to say that overall, it was a fair result. One area where we had to stand up and be counted was at set-pieces and they’re a big, strong side up front.

“It was all hands to the pump on set plays and they’re a good footballing side as well, so overall I thought we did well.

“We showed decent glimpses ourselves and it was a competitive game.

“I’m pleased with a point and there were plenty of positives.”

Colchester went close early on through Mikael Mandron’s downward header that was well saved by Morecambe keeper Barry Roche, who also denied Ryan Inniss in the opening period.

But Morecambe came close to taking the lead midway through the first half when Steven Old nodded inches wide, and were unfortunate not to go ahead just before half-time when Colchester keeper Sam Walker denied Aaron Wildig with his legs at his near post after Frankie Kent’s sloppy back pass had put the forward clean through on goal.

Inniss went close with a header early in the second half and Colchester almost claimed victory with three minutes remaining when substitute Drey Wright’s spectacular effort crashed back off the bar, but the points were shared.