Latics and Colchester deserved credit for the football they attempted to play on the problem pitch at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Parts of the surface were so soft that the ball often failed to bounce making the match a lottery as neither side was able to play free-flowing football.

Latics were indebted to keeper Dean Brill who prevented Colchester taking a 13th minute lead.

Steven Gillespie beat the offside trap and burst clear on to a long pass from David Prutton, but Brill spread himself superbly to make a brilliant block with the striker looking certain to score.

Latics came within a whisker of taking the lead three minutes later after a marvellous move. Deane Smalley sprayed a super pass to Pawel Abbott on the right and from his cross Jason Price rose at the far post to head against the upright with keeper Ben Williams beaten.

It was largely a half of few chances, however, but Latics can feel well satisfied with their efforts as they more than match the third-placed U's.

Half time: Colchester 0, Latics 0.