Preston North End have slipped out of the League One automatic promotion places after a goalless first half at Colchester United.

The game began with both teams eager to impose themselves, though Preston were first to threaten when Joe Garner's through ball to Jermaine Beckford was thwarted by the linesman's offside call.

Simon Grayson's charges soon got the better of their opponents, but were nearly caught out when Richard Brindley's effort had to be palmed away by goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

At the other end, John Welsh's dipping shot from the edge of the box just after the half-hour mark failed to trouble Sam Walker.

Preston continued to push forward, but were unable to break the deadlock against their opponents by the half-time whistle.

As things stand, MK Dons will pip the Lilywhites to second place.