COLCHESTER United boss John McGreal admitted being “as proud as punch” after his promotion-chasing side turned on the style against Plymouth Arglye.

The U’s were held to a 0-0 draw and have dropped to 12th in the League Two table.

However, McGreal was more than satisfied with his side’s performance and believes they are still in the play-off race, sitting just three points behind seventh-placed Stevenage.

He said: “We’re still a win away from the play-offs, having looked at the other results and the table, and I was proud as could be with that performance.

“I thought we were excellent, from minute one all the way through.

“We were just missing the goals.

“Plymouth came for the win so it was a great match for the fans.

“We all love to win games of football but I was still delighted to take a point and, overall, I’m as proud as punch.”

Despite the lack of goals, both sides had chances during an absorbing contest.

Colchester’s best effort was a miscued, close-range header from Chris Porter, after a teasing left-wing delivery from Brennan Dickenson.

Porter then screwed another low effort agonisingly wide, this time from Drey Wright’s cross.

Plymouth also had opportunities.

Antoni Sarcevic got clear down the right after being played in by Graham Carey.

However, his powerful shot flashed wide of the right-hand post.

The Pilgrims also went close after a corner from the left appeared to be deflected goal-wards by U’s defender George Elokobi, before being safely gathered by Sam Walker.

McGreal failed to apportion any blame to Porter, despite his costly headed miss.

“Chris has been unbelievable for us and his goal-scoring record of late has been the best it’s been for years,” he said.

“He’s scored numerous important goals for us and doesn’t stop working.

“It just wasn’t his day today and strikers have those kind of days.

“But he’s still getting the right positions and he’s an experienced pro, so I certainly won’t be getting at him.”