Another shut-out displays steely resolve

Photo: Pictures by ALAN HOWARTH

IT TAKES TWO: to stop Athletic substitute David Dunn following his second-half introduction to the game. All pictures: Alan Howarth.

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Colchester 0, Athletic 0

WHETHER this one is labelled for posterity as a defensive masterclass or a lesson in how not to make chances and influence the scoring column, comes down to individual perspective.

Lee Croft's tame effort when he had the whole goal to aim at in the second half of this drab affair sits in the latter category. But two clean sheets in three games for Athletic is not to be sniffed at.

Though Darren Kelly's side missed a chance to go fourth in the division, satisfaction can be taken from the way the side kept the hosts at arm’s length.

Sammie Szmodics hit the inside of a post on the stretch early in the second half – the only really sticky part of the 90 minutes for Kelly's side – and Darren Ambrose, formerly of Newcastle, sliced a shot wide the only time Athletic’s back line was truly prised open.

Tenth in the table with five points from three fixtures isn't a bad start to Kelly's managerial career, but he cut a disappointed figure at the close.. Ending the game with David Dunn, debutant George Green, Jonathan Forte and Croft on the field, it was clear Athletic weren’t content to hold on for a point. Had Jake Cassidy been fit, it’s tempting to think the 207 local fans who took the trip would have gione home a lot happier.

To say this wasn't a classic feast of football is an understatement. There was a foul throw, countless misplaced passes and one time when Forte contrived to miscontrol three times in one dribble.

But Athletic were just about the more cohesive of the two sides in the opening period and won't have been too upset heading in at half-time - even though the game had all the entertainment value of a day spent sanding down a sideboard.

With two changes to the side that beat Fleetwood - Forte in for Dominic Poleon, Rhys Turner for injured Cassidy - the 37th minute brought with it the first serious shot at goal from Liam Kelly.

Colchester goalkeeper Elliott Parish, in for injured number one Sam Walker, tipped over the top and from the corner James Wilson hit a volley that travelled across the six-yard box untouched.

Colchester upped their game as the second half began, Ambrose and then Szmodics going close to making a breakthrough. Athletic responded.

Forte found his way in after a lucky rebound fell at his feet and as Parish saved his angled effort with his legs, the 'keeper was back up to paw out Croft's follow-up when a goal looked a certainty.

David Dunn and George Green had some influence as Athletic tried and failed to make the

counterattack work for them, while Kelly was brought off after treatment.

Athletic ended the game the stronger side on a tame evening.

twitter: @Matt_Chambers_