Colchester United head coach John McGreal lamented his side's lack of cutting edge after they drew 0-0 at Morecambe.

The U's failed to score for the second successive match and have managed only one goal in their last five games in League Two, following the encounter at the Globe Arena.

"We came here knowing what to expect and we combated them and limited them to a number of shots from a fair distance out," said McGreal.

"It was that attacking third again - we do get up into those areas with good play and it's just that little bit of inventiveness, in and around the box.

"We give the boys the freedom to go and express themselves and work on one or two other things as well but it's going cold at that time when there are opportunities and we've slashed at things.

"Chances don't come around often at a tough place like Morecambe who have put four past Wycombe and beat Exeter at the weekend.

"We knew it would be a really tough battle."

Colchester had 52 of their supporters in the crowd of 893 who made the five-hour trip up to Morecambe to watch their side and boss McGreal was full of praise for their efforts.

McGreal said: "Credit to our fans - I spoke to one or two beforehand.

"I think they left for the game at lunchtime and by the time they get home tonight, it's going to be near 4 or 5am.

"It's an unbelievable distance for them to travel and the boys showed their appreciation both before and after the match.

"Credit to every one of them - they're a star to the club."