Nelson Jardim | It was a positive point and something good for us moving forward

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Head coach Nelson Jardim praised his side’s battling efforts after they picked up another point on the road at Colchester United.  

The Exiles put in a disciplined display in Essex to earn a fifth clean sheet in seven leagues games and stretched their unbeaten run to four matches.

“It's always a good point away, especially after the terrible couple of weeks against tough teams and not having a home game in between to chase a little bit more,” said Jardim post-match. 

“It was a positive point and something good for us moving forward - the team is showing consistency.

“Not everything was how I wanted it and there is a lot to improve; I am not happy with some of the details but overall it was a fair result after our effort.

“We made a good start and created some goal-scoring chances but then towards the end of the half Colchester were in control, but the threat was more from corners and free-kicks rather than open play.

“The subs brought energy in the second half and we did create some chances, but then we lost some control by not keeping the ball.

“That is an aspect that we have to improve and I believe there will be a time when we feel really comfortable having the ball.”

Jardim named an unchanged eleven for the trip to Colchester but there were number of inclusions from the bench,  which saw the recently injured duo Bobby Kamwa and Noah Mawene return.

He added: “We needed their energy and they improved the team. You could see that from the start of the second half.

“But the squad also knows that they have more to give and we cannot be happy with everything, and it's not close to the level we want to be at.

“The recent draws give us a platform to build on. We have been keeping clean sheets against tough teams and proper strikers.

“That has come down to the work on the training ground and the organisation they have been showing, and also the desire to win duels.”

Jardim also took a moment to thank the 139 fans who made the trip to Essex, praising their unwavering support.

“They were fantastic today," he finished. "They kept pushing the team, and it means a lot to us.

“A big thank you to them from me and the whole dressing room. Their support plays a huge role.”