COLCHESTER United manager John Ward was left encouraged by his side’s performance at Exeter today despite the fact his side could not quite hold onto all three points in his first game in charge.

COLCHESTER United manager John Ward was left encouraged by his side’s performance at Exeter today despite the fact his side could not quite hold onto all three points in his first game in charge.

The U’s played some attractive football in the first half as two fine Anthony Wordsworth goals saw them quickly overturn Ryan Harley’s early penalty.

Ward’s men looked like they would see out the victory in the second half, but Exeter – who played some decent football themselves in patches – snatched an equaliser two minutes from time when Richard Logan thumped home a loose ball in the area.

“I can’t really grumble about the draw after watching the game I’ve just watched,” said Ward. “It was two good sides wanting to play football.

“At 2-1 you’d like to see us hold on, but Paul (Tisdale) has made some good substitutions and fair play to him they’ve come off.

“I’m really pleased with the way my team went about things today. I enjoyed watching the game – if that’s possible as a manager.”

– Match report and reaction in Monday’s EADT.