COLCHESTER United boss Aidy Boothroyd praised his side's resilience following their backs-to-the wall win at Brighton last night.

Stuart Watson

COLCHESTER United boss Aidy Boothroyd praised his side's resilience following their backs-to-the wall win at Brighton last night.

The U's stormed into a two goal lead within the opening 15 minutes of the match thanks to finishes from Phil Ifil and Anthony Wordsworth.

However, Brighton fought back well and only some desperate defending and fine goalkeeping denied the hosts a second half equaliser.

It was only Boothroyd's second away win as Colchester manager, the U's third of the season, but at one point it looked as though the Essex side were destined to throw away a two goal away lead just as they had done at Oldham.

"We were absolutely fantastic for the first 25 minutes then we turned into Jekyll and Hyde and things went a bit raggy," admitted Boothroyd.

"When you go 2-0 up so early it can be psychologically hard because the opposition's game plan goes out the window and they have got nothing to lose.

"Gus (Poyet) and his players had a really good go at us, but we dug in there. They were camped in our half for the last 15 minutes, but we won the headers and got some fantastic blocks in.

"When we look at the paper we will know we have got another three points, but I won't be happy until we win comfortably.

"As a manager you just want your players to give you their all whether they are playing well or not very well, and I got that tonight.

"I don't want us to rely so much on our resilience and character though."