Colchester United were left to rue their misfortune after playing out a 0-0 draw with fellow strugglers Crawley Town at Broadfield Stadium.

Freddie Sears hit the woodwork twice while George Moncur and substitute Cole Kpekawa also hit a post, as the U's had to settle for a point in their final game of 2014.

Colchester almost took a ninth-minute lead when Sammie Szmodics found himself with a glimpse of goal on the edge of the area, only for Lewis Young did well to get back and intercept the danger.

A minute later, Colchester came even closer through Moncur, whose low effort came back off the post after a mix-up between Joe Walsh and Bobson Bawling midway inside the Crawley half.

Colchester looked dangerous on the counter attack and although Gwion Edwards’ half-volley from the edge of the area sailed wide for Crawley midway through the first half, it was the visitors who looked more threatening.

Gavin Massey’s low strike grazed the outside of the post and Szmodics had the ball in the net for Colchester on the half hour but his effort was ruled out for offside, after Sears had hit the bar.

Colchester almost took the lead inside the opening five minutes of the second half when Sears’ close-range snap-shot was well saved by Brian Jensen, after Szmodics had provided the pass to create the chance.

And Sears came agonisingly close to scoring again ten minutes after half-time when his fine effort came back off the foot of the post, after Eastman’s excellent disguised pass had given him a glimpse of goal.

Colchester continued to push for a winner and Kaspars Gorkss hit the post in the closing stages while David Fox also went close, as the visitors had to settle for a point.

For a full report, pictures and reaction to Colchester's game at Crawley, see Monday's Daily Gazette.