Latics earn point at Colchester

OFF THE BENCH: David Dunn appeared as Athletic tried to grab a winning goal.

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COLCHESTER 0, ATHLETIC 0

ATHLETIC earned a point after a tense and mainly dour battle at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Athletic, who fielded Jonathan Forte and Rhys Turner from the start, were the better side in a first half starved of much real excitement.

Most of the visitors' best work came down the right flank but it wasn't until the 37th minute that Athletic really worked U's goalkeeper Elliott Parish.

Liam Kelly's curling effort from long range was tipped over the top and from the corner, James Wilson's far-post volley passed across the six-yard box without a crucial touch being applied.

After the break, Sammie Szmodics almost gave Colchester the lead with a shot that rebounded off a post and at the other end, Forte's shot was saved by Parish who then doubled up by stopping Lee Croft's goal-bound effort.

George Green got a debut from the bench and David Dunn also appeared as Darren Kelly's side tried to claim a winning goal, but the visitors had to settle for a point.