Richard Brindley endured a tough start to his second season with Colchester United, but he warmed to the task at Hartlepool on Saturday.

Pools’ star man, flying winger Nathan Thomas, gave Brindley a few headaches down the flank, especially during the first half when the 23-year-old right-back was left exposed at times.

However, like the U’s as a team, Brindley stuck to his guns and was delighted to come away with a point from an entertaining 1-1 draw.

In fact, the ex-Norwich City trainee felt that the U’s could have won the game, and so handed new boss John McGreal the perfect start.

“We had chances to win it,” insisted Brindley.

“We were the much better team, especially in the second half.

“In my opinion, it was a bad decision from the ref (Paul Tierney) for their penalty.

“I didn’t think it was a penalty, but we did well to react from that. We controlled the game in the second half really well.

“Perhaps last season we might have lost this sort of game. In all fairness to Hartlepool, they tried to play good football despite this being in a lower league.

“We did well to handle that, and with it being away from home and also our first game of the season, we are very happy with the point.

“We held them and held our ground, and most of the time we controlled it over them. We felt quite comfortable.

“I’m happy with the result, and there were some good signs for the future.”

Five of the U’s 18-man squad made their debuts on Saturday, although Brindley, having made 25 appearances last term, is already one of the stalwarts of the squad.

Brindley added: “It’s looking good. We have a very young squad, and you can see what we are capable of. We looked solid as a back four, though obviously it’s very early doors. We’re still getting to know each other.”