Colchester United boss Tony Humes was happy with his side’s point in a 1-1 draw at Bradford City, on an awful pitch this afternoon.

East Anglian Daily Times: Bradford boss Phil Parkinson, who was unhappy with the state of the Bradford pitch todayBradford boss Phil Parkinson, who was unhappy with the state of the Bradford pitch today (Image: PA Wire)

Chris Porter crashed home a superb opening goal, after just five minutes, but the U’s could not hold on and Filipe Morais slammed home an equaliser on 78 minutes.

Humes said: “It was a terrific, superb team performance.

“In fact, it was a real proper team effort, and every player played their part, from start to finish.

“When you come to a place like this, with Bradford on a high, in front of a big crowd and on an awful pitch, we would have settled for a point before the game.

“I’m delighted for Chris (Porter). He’s settled in very, very quickly, and it was a great goal.

“He’s lead the line well again today,” added Humes.

Bradford manager Phil Parkinson, the former U’s boss, was angry with the state of the Valley Parade pitch.

The surface was extremely boggy, and referee Kevin Johnson was close to calling off the game an hour or so before kick off.

“I thought Colchester started well, while we were poor early on,” admitted Parkinson.

“We showed more energy in the second period, got the equaliser and could have gone on and won it.

“But I’m happy with the point.

“Our groundsman is working so hard to improve the pitch, but he is not getting the help he needs. I’ve asked the board to help, but the groundsman has been hung out to dry.

“The referee was unhappy with the state of the pitch. He thought it was dangerous, and I had to persuade him otherwise.

“It’s unfair, the state of that pitch,” added Parkinson.