Colchester United boss Joe Dunne was satisfied with a share of the spoils as previously goal-happy Rotherham were held to a goalless draw at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Tuesday night.

It was the first time since the turn of the year that the Millers had failed to score, which is testimony to the battling qualities of the U’s.

In fact, the hosts came closest to clinching all three points – Sanchez Watt’s powerful strike in the 64th minute hitting the bar.

The U’s are now without a win in six games and have accrued only two points during that lean spell.

But the signs were encouraging on Tuesday night, and at least Dunne’s men are now one point clear of the drop zone.

“I suppose you can say that we have stopped the rot, if you like,” explained Dunne.

“It’s a good point for us, after the hard run of games that we have had.

“We had conceded goals in the last 10 minutes of our previous three games. That was something we had spoken about, and worked on, and I thought we competed well tonight.

“All I asked of my players was to do what they had done in the previous four games, and they did that.

“We have competed well with a very good team and although our goal scoring has been limited recently I’m sure we will score lots of goals during the rest of the season.”

The U’s also had a goal ruled out in the first half when Watt planted the loose ball into an empty net only for referee Brendan Malone to blow for a foul on keeper Adam Collin by Clinton Morrison.

“I think it was the correct decision,” admitted the U’s boss.

“However, there was quite a length of time before the whistle went after the ball had gone in the net.”

The U’s entertain Coventry City this Saturday, but before then they have an Essex Senior Cup sem-final at Concord Rangers on Thursday evening.