COLCHESTER United boss John Ward was impressed with the way that his team bounced back from the club record home league defeat by Stevenage, in defeating Exeter City this afternoon.

Goals from Anthony Wordsworth and Andy Bond sealed a comfortable 2-0 win for the U’s over Exeter City, who ended the game with 10 men following the dismissal of defender Danny Coles.

Hammered 6-1 by Stevenage on Boxing Day, this was the perfect way to respond.

“We have taken our criticism and have accepted it, because it was right,” admitted Ward.

“And the best way to answer it is what we have done today.

“We have had 3,500 (fans) here, because they come every week and they have seen their team put in an exceptionally good display.

“Exeter, regardless of league positions, can pass the ball around and play, but we kept a clean-sheet and the attitude from everyone has been first class.

“We owed that to ourselves, first and foremost.

“But secondly we also owed it to the fans who came today, because I’m sure the vast majority of those were also here on Boxing Day.

“That result has been put to bed now,” added Ward.

The U’s are back in action at high-flying MK Dons on Monday (kick-off 3pm).