Crewe missed the chance to move into second place in League Two after being held to a goalless draw by Colchester – the Railwaymen’s fifth draw in their last seven games.

Chances were at a premium at a packed Gresty Road, where the 9,288 gate was the highest in 18 years, but the result sees Crewe now unbeaten in their last 12, while the Us continue to make progress and are undefeated in seven games.

The visitors started well and Arthur Read drove a 20-yard free-kick over before Harry Anderson dragged an effort on the run past the post. Danny Cowley’s side, though, were on the backfoot when Shilow Tracey was slipped clear on the right by Ryan Cooney and Us defender Ellis Iandolo got a vital touch to divert the striker’s effort into the side netting.

As the half drew to a close Lyle Taylor’s fierce strike from the edge of the box was kept out brilliantly by Crewe keeper Filip Marschall, who moments later saw Fiacre Kelleher plant a far-post header past him, although the effort was chalked off for an obvious foul on a Crewe defender.

After the break the Us continued to enjoy most of the possession. Marschall got behind a strike by substitute Jack Payne and Taylor volleyed wide.

Omar Bogle, drafted on up front, drove an angled shot into the side netting and Max Conway drilled an effort just wide on what proved to be a frustrating night for Lee Bell’s side.