Port Vale hoped to extend their three match unbeaten league streak with another three points against mid-table Colchester.
The first chance took a while when in the 13th min Steve Rowland broke from defence to supply a cross for Steve McPhee, but he couldn't quite get the height on the ball.
Colchester came near after 17 minutes when a close-range shot from Micky Stockwell rolled on to Mark Goodlad's right post only to be cleared off line by Rowland.
Vale narrowly missed again when a swirling free-kick from Marc Bridge-Wilkinson saw Sam Collins rising powerfully, but he put the ball inches over the bar in the 23rd minute.
Vale opened their account two minutes in to the second half when Collins met a Bridge-Wilkinson corner to fire the ball into Richard McKinney's top right corner at the back post.
Colchester were then left grasping at straws towards the end with a lack of firepower up front resulting in Stockwell and Leke Odunsi attempting off-target long-range efforts.
The Valiants had the last real chance when a flick on from Brett Angell fell at the feet of McPhee who was allowed to shoot from ten yards but had a shot saved low by Mckinney.
Goalscorer Collins siad: "I wouldn't say we played brilliantly but it's a good result and we are pleased."
Vale boss Brian Horton added much the same: "It was not a sparkling display but it's three points, its a tough league and you are not going to roll anybody over."
Colchester boss Steve Whitton was upbeat about his team's performance: "Possession-wise we controlled the game. I am disappointed that we didn't win, but we are just not getting the run at goal. I'm happy overall."