Swindon Town 0 Colchester United 0

Sanchez Watt had some birthday cards to forget, but his mates still held play-off chasers Swindon.

Watt was celebrating his 23rd birthday, but picked up a straight red card in the 70th minute to add to the yellow card Darren Sheldrake had given him in the first half.

Former Arsenal winger Watt was given his marching orders for lashing out at defender Nathan Thompson.

But boss Joe Dunne admitted: "I'm afraid I can't defend him. 0-0 sort of summed the game up and I'm very proud of my players. It's a big point at a club that are fighting for promotion."

Swindon manager Mark Cooper was frustrated and said: "We totally dominated the game and I thought we played some good football in difficult conditions. We should have scored at least two. We created the opportunities, but just didn't have the quality to finish them off."

Swindon's came close to sealing the win at the death in a game of few chances in wet and very windy conditions.

Defender Nathan Byrne volleyed over from twelve yards in the 90th minute.

And in injury time Thompson and Alex Pritchard dragged shots narrowly wide with the goal begging.

And midfielder Pritchard nearly broke the deadlock before the break.

Classy Spurs loanee Pritchard rifled in a shot from 25 yards that keeper Sam Walker did well to turn away at full stretch in the 21st minute.

And seconds later Pritchard's low cross was blocked by Walker, but ricocheted narrowly wide off Colchester skipper Brian Wilson.

Swindon's spirits were dampened further seconds before half time when leading marksman Nile Ranger hobbled off with a hamstring problem.