COLCHESTER United boss Joe Dunne was delighted with “the manner” of his side’s crunch 1-0 home win over Preston North End this afternoon.

An in-form Freddie Sears popped up with a 55th minute winner to seal the U’s third victory in four games, and so keep the Essex club two points clear of the relegation zone – fellow strugglers Oldham and Scunthorpe also won.

“This was a very good victory,” enthused Dunne.

“I thought the manner of our victory today was very, very pleasing, based on the fact that it was a gritty game.

“It was a game where discipline was key, and I thought we had enough quality, in terms of how we attacked Preston, to win the game.

“I thought we played the first half well again. We hit the post (Gavin Massey), and Preston threw everything at us, which we expected. But we defended exceptionally well.

“This gave us a good firm base to attack with,

“The first goal has been key in most of the games we have played recently, and so it was again.

“And once we scored the goal, I think you saw the confidence exude from my players,” added Dunne.