NEWPORT County AFC boss Nelson Jardim hailed a positive point after the goalless draw at Colchester – but now wants to chase maximums over the festive period.

The Exiles shared the spoils for the third game on the spin by denying the in-form U’s in Essex after previously drawing at promotion hopefuls Notts County and AFC Wimbledon.

County were saved in the first half when captain Shane McLoughlin nodded Tom Flanagan’s header off the line and then Samson Tovide failed to punish a Matt Baker defensive slip in the second half.

The Exiles had some half-chances and winger Michael Spellman had a long-range effort parried away.

The draw leaves them 16th in the table, nine points clear of the relegation zone and eight off the play-offs.

“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 head coach Jardim.

“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.”

County have battled hard for three draws but will now hunt three-pointers over a festive period that sees them host MK Dons on Saturday, travel to Bromley and Walsall, then entertain AFC Wimbledon and Morecambe.

“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,” said Jardim.

The Exiles have chalked up points thanks to keeping five clean sheets in their last seven league outings.

“It gives us a platform. We have been keeping clean sheets against tough teams and proper strikers,” said Jardim.

“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.”

However, the boss also wants his side to be calmer on the ball after inviting Colchester pressure at the end of the first half and then in the closing stages.

“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,” he said.

“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.”