Colchester United manager Joe Dunne believes his side's 0-0 draw at MK Dons shows that they have made progress this season.

The U's began 2014 by claiming a point at stadiummk, where they were thrashed 5-1 last season.

Dunne said: "I think it shows we're making progress.

"We went into the game in a stronger position in the league than we had been in, this time last year.

"Our away form is excellent.

"We've got the same form as last year at the moment but that's something we have to look at.

"But progress is being made because last year, we would have lost maybe five here and it was a good performance by a lot of the players."

Colchester were indebted to goalkeeper Sam Walker, who made a succession of fine saves to keep MK Dons out.

Dunne said: “We rode our luck at times but we had players playing well in the positions they needed to.

“When needed, Sam was reliable and that’s the goalkeeper’s job.

“He does it very, very well and his saves were exceptional.

“The shots were limited to long range but he saw some of them very late and his reflexes were very good.

“Overall it’s three clean sheets in four games and we’ve taken four points off MK Dons who I think are a tremendous side.

“They showed again their passing ability which is where we want to get to eventually.

“They’re light years ahead of us at the moment.

“The game plan was to try and frustrate them for as long as we could and try and nick something on the break.

“Whatever has happened, it’s a good point."

For a full match report, pictures and reaction to Colchester's 0-0 draw at MK Dons, see Thursday's Daily Gazette.