Colchester United players are being cheered on by an army of silent fans at their Sky Bet League Two play-off against Exeter this evening.

East Anglian Daily Times: Cardboard cutout pictures of fans in the stands during the Sky Bet League Two play-off semi final first leg match at the JobServe Community Stadium, Colchester. Picture: Adam Davy/PA WireCardboard cutout pictures of fans in the stands during the Sky Bet League Two play-off semi final first leg match at the JobServe Community Stadium, Colchester. Picture: Adam Davy/PA Wire (Image: PA Wire)

The team ran on to the pitch in the first half no doubt imagining a raucous round of applause from the ‘fans’ watching up in the stands.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions real life fans are banned so the JobServe Community Stadium has been filled with substitutes – cardboard cut-outs.

The first half has been goalless and this is the first time either team has played for 103 days, due to the regular season being curtailed.

Cohen Bramall went closest to opening the scoring for the hosts when his free-kick stung the palms of Lewis Ward.

East Anglian Daily Times: Colchester Uniteds Frank Nouble (left) and Exeter Citys Dean Moxey battle for the ball during the Sky Bet League Two play-off semi final first leg match at the JobServe Community Stadium, Colchester. PA Photo. Picture: Adam Davy/PA WireColchester Uniteds Frank Nouble (left) and Exeter Citys Dean Moxey battle for the ball during the Sky Bet League Two play-off semi final first leg match at the JobServe Community Stadium, Colchester. PA Photo. Picture: Adam Davy/PA Wire (Image: PA Wire)

East Anglian Daily Times: Colchester Uniteds Frank Nouble (right) and Exeter Citys Dean Moxey battle for the ball during the Sky Bet League Two play-off semi final first leg match at the JobServe Community Stadium, Colchester. Picture: Adam Davy/PA WireColchester Uniteds Frank Nouble (right) and Exeter Citys Dean Moxey battle for the ball during the Sky Bet League Two play-off semi final first leg match at the JobServe Community Stadium, Colchester. Picture: Adam Davy/PA Wire (Image: PA Wire)