Colchester United’s new boss, Tony Humes, was satisfied with his side’s goalless draw at Walsall in his first game in charge this afternoon.

Freddie Sears came closest to scoring for the U’s, when his 12th minute shot beat keeper Richard O’Donnell, only to cannon back off the inside of a post.

The visitors were also unlucky not to win a penalty, early in the second half, when Sanchez Watt appeared to be fouled in the box by defender Paul Downing.

“We really took the game to Walsall,” explained Humes, in his first post-match press conference.

“We had a fair bit of possession, although the game became a bit open at the end, like a basketball match, with them attacking and then us attacking.

“But Sam Walker didn’t have a save to make until the 89th minute (from Anthony Forde’s free-kick), and I think we really deserved this clean-sheet.

“The players worked their socks off, and they got their reward with this point.

“Perhaps we gave the ball away a bit too easily, in the middle of the pitch, but it’s all a learning curve.

“I thought the boys were terrific, and to get a first clean-sheet of the season is a positive step,” added Humes.

The U’s have taken just two points from their first six games, but today’s result is something to build on, going into a tough test at Leyton Orient next weekend.