John Ward admitted Colchester United were disappointed not to secure all three points against ten-man Stevenage tonight.

The U’s had a one-man advantage for more than half of the game, after Boro’s Jordan Slew was sent off for lashing out at Anthony Wordsworth.

But Colchester were unable to make it count and had to settle for a point and their fourth successive draw, in League One.

U’s boss Ward said: “We weren’t able to find a winner and we’re a little bit down that we didn’t win the game.

“It’s quite interesting in that we came to another top-eight side and we’re disappointed that we haven’t beaten them on their own patch.

“I’ve just said to the boys that they should get all of their miseries out of the way tomorrow and then come in and have a go at another team on Saturday.

“If we can win that game on Saturday, this will probably become a very good point.

“At the moment we feel a bit frustrated but we’ve got a decent point against a good team and they’ve beaten some good sides this year.

“I saw them at Tottenham a couple of weeks ago and they put in a really good display.”

Ward said referee Darren Deadman had little choice but to send Slew off, after he inexplicably raised his arms to Wordsworth.

The U’s manager added: “He reacted badly and he had to go off the pitch.

“I don’t think there was any question about that.”

See Wednesday’s Gazette for a full match report, pictures and reaction to Colchester United’s 0-0 draw at Stevenage.