Colchester United boss Tony Humes insists his side should have claimed three points at Crawley Town after they played out a goal-less draw at the Broadfield Stadium.

Freddie Sears hit the woodwork twice and George Moncur and Cole Kpekawa both hit a post, as the U's drew 0-0 with their fellow relegation strugglers.

Colchester remain two points adrift of safety in League One, after sharing the spoils in their final league game of 2014, Humes said: "It was a good performance and we should have had three points and not one.

"I'm not going to criticise the lads, they've just played two games in three days.

"They showed a good fitness throughout the game and were much the stronger team.

"It was a case of trying to open them up which we did quite a lot.

"We just didn't quite get that little bit of clinical finishing and ruthlessness in the box.

"As long as we keep making the opportunities that's all we can say and we have to keep at it."

For a full match report, pictures and reaction to the U's game with Crawley Town, see Monday's Daily Gazette.