Crewe Alexandra and Colchester United played out a goalless draw in their League One clash this afternoon.

Crewe started on the front foot and had the first real chance of the game but Uche Ikpeazu's shot at goal from close range was tame, and easily gathered by Sam Walker.

The visitors mustered a chance of their own when Jabo Ibehre fired a shot from distance following good build-up play, but his effort went wide of the post.

Colchester almost took the lead when the ball fell to Gavin Massey outside the penalty and he drilled an effort at goal, but Ben Garratt made a good save.

After half time, Crewe came out strongly and could have taken the lead when Byron Moore found space on the edge of the box, but his shot was well-saved by Walker.

United were inches from going ahead when they took advantage of a mistake from Liam Nolan, and Freddie Sears raided forward but his effort smacked off the post and was cleared.

The home side responded to that threat as Moore picked up the ball and tested the hands of Walker, who failed to grasp the ball on the first attempt but rushed out to gather before anyone could react.