COLCHESTER United played out a 0-0 draw with visitors Carlisle United this afternoon to record their first goal-less stalemate under the Cowleys.

Defences were on top at the JobServe Community Stadium, as the U's had to settle for a point against the Cumbrians.

Colchester had the better of the chances but were unable to find a way past impressive Carlisle keeper, Harry Lewis.

Colchester boss Danny Cowley made three changes to his starting line-up for the Carlisle game.

Jack Payne, Mandela Egbo and Lyle Taylor came in for Fiacre Kelleher, Aaron Donnelly and Anthony Scully, who were all on the bench.

Egbo, Tom Flanagan and Ellis Iandolo were the three at the back for the U’s, with Rob Hunt and Tom Hopper wing-backs.

Watched by Olympic medallist Lewis Richardson, the U’s were looking to strike a blow in the opening minutes.

And they almost did in the seventh minute when Samson Tovide was released through on goal by Arthur Read but sent a left-foot shot wide of the near post.

It was a good opportunity that went begging for the U’s but Carlisle had an equally good chance to score, four minutes later.

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

Josh Velo beat Colchester skipper Flanagan to the ball and found himself in on goal but his low strike was saved well by goalkeeper Matt Macey.

The first half was an even affair after that, with much of the contest played out in midfield.

Goalscoring chances were at a premium before half-time and defences were on top, as both sides probed for openings without much success.

Colchester made a double change at the break, sending on former Carlisle loanee JK Gordon and Fiacre Kelleher for Egbo and Hopper.

The U's came close to breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute when Payne's powerful deflected shot was pushed away for a corner by Lewis.

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

Payne had a great chance to score midway through the second half when he was presented with an opportunity in the area but despite sitting keeper Lewis down, the midfielder scuffed his shot wide of the target.

And at the other end, a brilliant challenge by Ellis Iandolo on the edge of his own box denied Wyke a golden opportunity to net, after a swift break by the visitors.

Arthur Read's wonderful first-time 20-yard effort was pushed away for a corner by Lewis as the clock ticked down but the spoils were shared.

MATCH STATS: COLCHESTER UNITED: Macey, Hunt, Egbo (sub Kelleher, 46), Flanagan, Iandolo, Woodyard (sub McDonnell, 77), Read, Payne, Hopper (sub Gordon, 46), Taylor, Tovide.

Substitutes (not used): Anderson, Scully, Donnelly, Smith.

Carlisle United: Lewis, Davies (sub Robinson, 65), Harper, Thomas, Lavelle, Vela, Neal, Wyke, Biggins, Mellish (sub Barclay, 72), Armstrong (sub Sadi, 65).

Substitutes (not used): Ellis, Dudik, O'Donoghue, Breeze.

Referee: Thomas Parsons.

Bookings: Colchester: McDonnell (foul, 82). Carlisle: Mellish (foul, 2), Harper (foul, 25), Neal (unsporting behaviour, 49).

Sending off: None.

Attendance: 4,392 (352 Carlisle fans).