Exeter City battle to earn a point at Colchester in Sky Bet League One

Exeter City picked up a hard-earned point on the road after playing out an entertaining goalless draw with Colchester United at the JobServe Community Stadium.

The Grecians had opportunities to take all three points, particularly in the opening stages, but were ultimately forced to settle for a share of the spoils after a competitive encounter in which both sides created chances.

Josh Gordon tested Colchester goalkeeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala early on, with the shot-stopper doing well to hold the effort at his near post.

At the other end, Colchester briefly thought they had taken the lead when Bradley Ihionvien headed home Oscar Thorn’s cross, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

Exeter continued to look for an opening, with Charlie Cummins seeing a deflected effort comfortably collected by Lo-Tutala. The hosts responded, and Thorn saw another deflected attempt fly narrowly wide of the far post before Colchester won a corner.

The sides went into the break with little to separate them after an evenly contested first half.

Colchester emerged strongly after the interval and came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute. Following Moses Sesay’s effort towards goal, Jack Tucker struck the underside of the crossbar as Exeter survived a major scare.

Thorn then sent a dipping volley from the edge of the area over the crossbar as the home side increased the pressure.

Exeter goalkeeper Jack Bycroft was called into action to keep the scores level, pushing away Ihionvien’s low effort for a corner as Colchester continued to threaten.

The Grecians had to remain organised defensively during the closing stages, with the hosts looking the more likely side to snatch a late winner.

However, Exeter stood firm to secure a valuable away point, with both teams unable to find the breakthrough despite an entertaining contest at the JobServe Community Stadium.