A much-improved second-half display was not enough to merit a first victory of the season for Colchester United as they played out a 0-0 draw with Oldham Athletic.

After an uninspiring first half, the U’s improved considerably after the break and had the better of the chances but were unable to make the all-important breakthrough, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Colchester manager Tony Humes sprang a surprise before kick-off, handing Sammie Szmodics his first start of the season in place of George Moncur who was not even on the bench.

The other change was a first-ever Football League start at left-back for Kane Vincent-Young in place of Matthew Briggs, who failed to recover from the injury he suffered in the 2-1 defeat at Peterborough United.

Captain Chris Porter was again missing with an ankle injury, so Macauley Bonne continued up front.

The first half was a largely scrappy affair, with little in the way of goalscoring opportunities.

Gavin Massey dragged a shot across the face of goal and wide in the opening nine minutes while at the other end, Jonathan Forte raced down the U’s right and fired in a hopeful shot which Elliot Parish comfortably deal with at his near post.

Parish then palmed away skipper Liam Kelly’s effort as the first half finished goal-less.

Joe Edwards fired just over in the minutes that followed half-time, while moments later Darren Ambrose side-footed wide from a good position for Colchester.

The U’s came even closer to scoring nine minutes after half-time through Szmodics, who was desperately unlucky to see his shot on the slide rattle the outside of the post with Oldham keeper Joel Coleman well beaten.

But only some superb reactions from Parish prevented them from falling behind just before the hour, with the U’s keeper denying Forte and Lee Croft in quick succession.

Dion Sembie-Ferris was sent on for the closing stages as the U’s went for a winner but the game finished goal-less.

For full coverage of the U’s game with Oldham, see Wednesday’s Daily Gazette.