COLCHESTER United manager Joe Dunne praised the bravery of his players, following today’s entertaining 3-1 home win over Hartlepool.

New boss Dunne celebrated his first game in charge in the perfect way, having only been appointed the U’s full-time manager on Thursday.

The U’s had failed to win any of their first nine league and cup games of the season, but a brace from debutant Jabo Ibehre and an equaliser from Gavin Massey stopped the rot in devastating fashion.

New boss Dunne enthused: “All the credit goes to the players, I thought they were outstanding.

“I said in the week that I wanted them to play in a certain way, and I think that you’ve seen that today.

“I know it’s not going to go well all the time, as with their first goal and the pass that was played (mis-placed pass by Craig Eastmond).

“But it’s about being brave, I’ve said that all week, and I think my players were brave today.

“Outstanding credit goes to those individuals, to those that did and didn’t play.

“Because what gave me strength out there was that every time I looked behind, there were players (on the bench) who could have an impact, and that was what pleased me,” added Dunne.