Crawley Town 0 - 0 Colchester United - Winning formula eluding Crawley

Crawley's new interim manager Dean Saunders could not inspire them to their first win in 11 league and cup games in a goalless home draw against fellow strugglers Colchester.

The visitors were on top for long spells and were denied by the woodwork on three occasions in Saunders' first game in place of John Gregory, who has stepped down for medical reasons.

Crawley midfielder Lewis Young dispossessed the on-rushing Freddie Sears early on before George Moncur went close for Colchester by firing a low shot against a post.

Crawley were living dangerously and were nearly punished when Gavin Massey sent a fierce drive just wide following a free-kick from skipper David Fox.

Sears struck the woodwork again for the U's as the hosts were put under continued pressure, while young midfielder Sammie Szmodics was in an off-side position when he netted the rebound.

Crawley's transfer-listed Danish goalkeeper Brian Jensen kept his side on level terms by saving a powerful half-volley from Sears shortly after the break.

Jensen was helpless moments later when a rasping drive from Sears rattled his left-hand post.

Jimmy Smith carved out a rare shooting opportunity for Crawley mid-way through the second half, but his low goal-bound effort was blocked.