COLCHESTER United’s play-off hopes suffered a dent as they were forced to share the spoils from a 0-0 draw with Plymouth Argyle.

The U’s produced an excellent performance in front of their own fans and had chances to win an absorbing League Two contest.

However, it was not to be and Plymouth, already assured of promotion but hoping to turn up the heat on League Two leaders Doncaster Rovers, will have been equally disappointed by the stalemate.

Colchester are now three points behind seventh-placed Stevenage.

U’s boss John McGreal made one change from the side that drew at Morecambe.

Midfielder Tom Lapslie returned in place of Doug Loft, who had made his first appearance since August in the Bank Holiday Monday fixture.

Colchester made a bright start, as you might expect from a side with the second-best home record in League Two.

Tarique Fosu curled an effort just over the bar after advancing to the edge of the box and Chris Porter’s far-post header was then safely gathered by goalkeeper Luke McCormick, from Brennan Dickenson’s cross.

McCormick was then called into action again when he dived at Porter’s feet, after a low delivery from the right deflected into his path.

Porter connected with a through ball but his effort was blocked by Yann Songo’o and then there was a scare at the other end as title-chasing Arglye broke.

Antoni Sarcevic got clear down the right after being played in by Graham Carey but his powerful shot flashed wide of the right-hand post.

Colchester responded by creating their best chance, after good work from Dickenson.

The wide man delivered a perfect cross but Porter, unmarked, miscued his header and sent the ball wide.

There was a chance apiece at either end before the break.

Plymouth went close after a corner from the left appeared to be deflected goal-wards by George Elokobi, before being safely gathered by Sam Walker.

Fosu then twisted and turned on the edge of the box but his low effort flashed wide of the right-hand post.

As in the first half, Colchester started the second period on the front foot and Wright tried his luck with a speculative effort from the right early in the second half but it was held by McCormick.

Fosu then curled an effort wide of the left-hand post as the promotion-chasing hosts continued to take the game to their visitors.

The game became stretched as both sides pushed for an elusive goal.

Carey shot agonisingly wide at one end before Porter screwed an effort agonisingly wide, from Wright’s cross.

Substitute Jordan Slew then fired wide in the closing seconds of stoppage time, as an entertaining contest ended finished with honours even.

Colchester will now resume their play-off quest at Leyton Orient next Saturday.