JOHN Ward praised his Colchester United side for standing “toe-to-toe” with hosts Tranmere Rovers during this afternoon’s goalless draw at Prenton Park.

JOHN Ward praised his Colchester United side for standing “toe-to-toe” with hosts Tranmere Rovers during this afternoon’s goalless draw at Prenton Park.

Ward enthused: “We played a really good team today, one who had only conceded four goals at home all season.

“We won 4-2 against Notts County last week, but I’m probably happier with this result today.

“We stood toe-to-toe with a good team, and we survived about eight penalty appeals from their crowd, who really got behind their team.

“I thought it was a good game of football, and if it had ended 2-2 then you would have been raving about it,” added Ward.

The U’s were indebted to some fine late saves from keeper Ben Williams for ensuring their first goalless draw for 10 months.

New signing Casey Thomas, signed on loan from Swansea on Friday, was an unused substitute. Ward confirmed that Thomas would be available to play in next weekend’s FA Cup tie at Crewe.