Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell told his players that a ‘point and clean-sheet’ is not to be sniffed at when we have not been as fluent as in previous games.

The Alex didn’t conjure up too many clear cut chances against an organised Colchester rear guard action last night - but it could have a lot worse for the Railwaymen with Frank Nouble seeing his injury-time spot kick superbly kept out by Will Jaaskelainen.

Following the goalless draw with John McGreal’s U’s, the boss said: “The players looked at it as two points dropped and there is nothing wrong in that but I said to them listen, we have remained unbeaten after a tough night. We haven’t been at 100% for us and can do better but getting a clean-sheet and a point is not to be sniffed at.

“We could have lost a game like that and have in the past but we didn’t. Will’s penalty save keeps our unbeaten run going, it takes it to 8 games and although they were disappointed afterwards, they have a chance to win on Saturday and take 7 points from three tough games and that will be a decent return. That’s the challenge there for them.

The boss added: “Look we played a lot better at Newport. Had more possession and more chances and ended up losing that 1-0 in the last minute, so we know what can happen.”