Draw specialists Colchester held Fleetwood to a 0-0 stalemate after a hard-fought contest at Highbury Stadium.

Colchester goalkeeper Matt Macey made a fine 10th-minute save to push away Liam Shaw’s effort from close range, after James Bolton had headed on Mackenzie Hunt’s throw in the area.

And Fleetwood had a penalty appeal turned down on the half-hour when Mark Helm tumbled down under Jamie McDonnell’s challenge in the area.

Colchester left-back Ellis Iandolo saw his first-time left-foot effort spin just over after the hosts failed to clear a corner.

And the visitors finished the first half strongly, with Owura Edwards and Jack Payne both going close before half-time.

Helm’s fierce 25-yard effort was parried away by Macey early in the second half and the Fleetwood attacker went even closer soon after when his deflected effort bounced off the crossbar and away for a corner.

Colchester substitute Oscar Thorn missed a great chance to win it in stoppage time when he fired over, as the spoils were shared for the third time in Colchester’s last four League Two games.