Colchester United boss, John McGreal, felt that his side definitely deserved to take all three points from Saturday’s stalemate against Plymouth.

“I think it goes without saying that we deserved the win,” insisted McGreal.

“We took the game to Plymouth. They had a little spell in the first half, when we weathered the storm, but in the second half we got at them and we had opportunities to score throughout.

“I thought we were well worthy of a win, and there’s still six points to play for.”

Chris Porter missed several chances to bag the winner, but McGreal refused to criticise his 15-goal striker.

“Chris has been unbelievable for us this season,” said McGreal.

“I think his goal-scoring record of late is the best that he has had in years. He’s scored numerous important goals for us this season, and he never stops working as hard as he can.

“It just wasn’t his day today.

“I think forwards have those types of days – and it wasn’t his day – but again he is still getting into those positions, even close to the 90th minute with the free-kick, where he’s trying to score.

“So I won’t be getting at him. Chris is an experienced pro and we still have two good games to look forward to.

“We are a win away from the play-offs again, looking at what has happened elsewhere, and I am proud as anything with that performance.

“I thought it was an excellent performance, although again we had some so-near opportunities from which we should be scoring.

“But again we will pick the bones out of it, and on reflection I thought right the way through we were superb. It was just missing the goals.

“Plymouth came for the win, they didn’t sit back, and it was a great game for the fans. To take a point from that, I am delighted.

“It’s more a case of putting the ball in the back of the net, but I’m as pleased as punch.

“We’ve possibly had one of the toughest run-ins, even though it’s been against teams already promoted (Doncaster and Plymouth).

“Conceding the late equaliser against Morecambe (1-1 on Easter Monday) could have knocked the stuffing out of us, especially playing against a team in Plymouth who were on a high.”