Colchester United claimed a third clean sheet in four games under Tony Humes following a hard-fought 0-0 draw with Bradford City this afternoon.

The U's looked the more likely to win the game over the course of the 90 minutes and Bradford keeper Jason Pickford was the busier of the two custodians but the hosts had to settle for a point.

Colchester boss Tony Humes said: “The first half was a really cagey, cat and mouse affair and neither side gave anything away.

“In the second half, we put a few different things in place and I thought the players took it on really well.

“Bradford defended really well and were very compact, which is what we expected but we knew we had to stretch the game and we got more success in the second half.

“Their goalkeeper made some good saves and at least we had some opportunities and some efforts on target.

“The supporters have been great and hopefully they can see what we’re trying to do."

The opening 45 minutes saw a tight encounter ensue but Colchester had the better of the few openings that came their way, Bradford goalkeeper Jordan Pickford denied Sanchez Watt before palming away George Moncur’s dipping volley.

Freddie Sears fired a shot straight at Pickford and then found the side-netting, just before the break.

Former Colchester winger Mark Yeates tested Colchester keeper Sam Walker early in the second half but Moncur saw a shot flash wide and Sears’ effort was cleared off the line by Bradford skipper Stephen Darby, as the contest opened up.

Colchester continued to press as the clock ticked down and only Gary Liddle’s perfectly-time challenge denied Sanchez Watt to shoot from ten yards.

Pickford made a good save at his near post to foil Sears, as the U's pushed for a winner as the clock ticked down.

Drey Wright was sent on in the closing stages in a bid to win the game and Bradford substitute Oliver McBurnie fired straight at Walker in the area for the visitors but there was to be no winner, as Colchester claimed a point.

For a full match report, pictures, reaction and analysis to Colchester's game with Bradford, see Monday's Daily Gazette.