Colchester United boss Joe Dunne praised his side’s character as he saw them battle back from two goals down to grab a point at home to Bristol City.

The visitors had taken a two-goal lead courtesy of Martin Paterson and Scott Wagstaff, but Gavin Massey and Freddie Sears sealed the comeback, and Dunne couldn’t have been more proud.

“There was no element of luck about the result,” Dunne said.

“In fact we could have won it.

“It was a tough game but we stayed in it. We showed great character. Okay, it was a sloppy first goal to concede and even the second one at the start of the second half wasn’t good from out point of view.

“But I thought we showed tremendous character and there was only one team in it at the end.

“Bristol City are a strong team, a strong unit and we had to be patient. When the equaliser went it, we were only then looking for a third.”

And Dunne praised Sears who came up with a stunning 20-yard strike for the equaliser.

“That’s what Freddie can do,” admitted Dunne.

“He made an impact. But we made brave substitutions, some not popular,” (referring to the booing from some sections of the crowd when Dominic Vose was taken off).

“I thought (Alex) Gilbey was immense in midfield. We wouldn’t have done this (come back to draw) last year.”

And Dunne said he had nothing but praise for Vose, who he knew was having a good game, although Dunne wanted to change the system he was playing.

“Dominic (Vose) did fantastic today and is getting better and better. He is going to make a big impact at this club.”

Meanwhile defender Ryan Dickson also praised the courage of his team-mates.

“The gaffer said at half-time, even though it was only 1-0 to them he felt we can get something out of the game if we push on,”Dickson said.

“Even when they got their second we knew we just couldn’t allow our heads to drop and we didn’t.

“There is a great togetherness here and again that showed. It’s been a tough run of games recently and the win over Shrewsbury was a big confidence booster, which we have taken on today.”