Notts County were made to settle for a 0-0 home draw with Colchester on the opening day of the Sky Bet League Two season.
County almost took a fourth-minute lead when debutant Enzio Boldewijn's low shot was palmed around the post for a corner by goalkeeper Dillon Barnes.
But Colchester almost went ahead midway through the first half through Frank Nouble, whose header from Ryan Jackson's cross flashed inches wide of the far post.
Magpies keeper Ross Fitzsimons received a let-off early in the second half when he handled outside of his area when challenged by Nouble.
But Barnes then had to be at his absolute best to palm over an effort from Nathan Thomas, who controlled on the edge of the area before trying his luck with a superb chipped effort.
Colchester came agonisingly close to claiming victory with 15 minutes remaining when Aaron Collins teed up Tom Eastman, who struck the bar with a delightful curled effort from the edge of the box as the spoils were shared.