Colchester United manager John Ward was happy with his side’s showing after they played out a 0-0 draw with Tranmere Rovers.

The U’s had to hold out for a point near the end at Prenton Park, with goalkeeper Ben Williams pulling off fine stops to deny Andy Robinson and Adam McGurk.

However, they had their chances to win the game themselves, with Rovers goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams denying winger Michail Antonio on his final Colchester appearance and Magnus Okuonghae having an effort cleared off the line by David Buchanan.

Ward said: “We had to be determined because we played against a good team.

“We scored four goals in beating Notts County last week but I’m probably happier with this result, performance and effort from my team.

“Tranmere have only conceded four goals at home all season and Les (Parry) has got them working exceptionally hard.

“If you don’t match that and get your little breaks along the way, you’ll get beaten.

“We got a little break when they missed a header in the first half but then they’ve had a little break when Brian Wilson put one behind when he was in a good position.

“We’ve stood toe to toe with a very good team and I’m really pleased with that.

“They’re a really passionate crowd and we’ve survived eight penalty appeals from the crowd.

“The referee needed to be strong there but everything about Tranmere Rovers is very positive and I’d like to think that we’re heading in the same direction.”

See Monday’s Gazette for more reaction, along with a match report and pictures from Colchester’s 0-0 draw with Tranmere Rovers.