MORECAMBE produced a battling display to pick up a good draw at in form Colchester.

Jim Bentley’s side took their unbeaten run to four games with a solid performance to see them secure a well earned point.

Unsurprisingly Shrimps’ boss Jim Bentley went with the same team that beat Wycombe last week with the only change coming on the bench with Max Muller recalled and Elliot Osborne missing out.

The Shrimps were good value for their point although they were relieved to see an 87th minute volley from Drey Wright hit the crossbar as the home side almost snatched a dramatic win.

The Shrimps had the best chance of the game before that on the stroke of half time when a poor back pass played Aaron Wildig in on goal but he took the ball too wide and the chance went begging.

Colchester started brightly and Michael Mandron forced Barry Roche into a save in only the sixth minute with a free header from a left wing corner that was directed straight at the Morecambe keeper.

Morecambe hit back with Aaron McGowan drilling a left foot shot wide of the left hand post from the edge of the area before Steven Old headed wide from close range after a well worked Shrimps’ corner routine presented him with a golden chance.

Kevin Ellison also went close with a far post header from a Garry Thompson cross before the home side created more chances of their own again.

Mandron again went close with a curling shot from the edge of the area that sailed inches over the bar and defender Ryan Inniss fired straight at Roche from the edge of the area with a volley.

The second half was a dogged affair with few moments of any note until Colchester brought on Kyel Reid and Wright who began to forge some openings and raise the spirits of the home crowd.

Reid presented fellow sub Craig Slater with a great opening but the youngster slipped just as he looked set to shoot.

Morecambe’s only effort of note came from a long range Patrick Brough effort that was held by Sam Waker but a draw was a pleasing result for the improving Shrimps.

Colchester: Walker, Eastman (rep Wright 78), Inniss, Kent, Jackson, Comley (rep Slater 65), Vincent-Young, Lapslie, Hanlan (rep Reid 78), Szmodics, Mandron. Subs not used: Gilmartin, Kinsella, Loft, Odelusi.

Morecambe: Roche, McGowan, Old, Lavelle, Brough, Kenyon, Fleming, Thompson, Wildig (rep Oliver 78), Ellison, McGurk (rep Campbell 70). Subs not used: Nizic, Lund, Lang, Rose.

Ref: L Collins

Att: 2,872