DANNY Cowley praised his Colchester United side’s resilience and determination after they came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Swindon Town this afternoon in his first game as head coach.

The U’s had trailed 2-0 to goals to Charlie Austin and Tom Brewitt before Matt Jay reduced the deficit before half-time and substitute Brad Ihionvien netted an equaliser deep into stoppage-time, to secure the visitors a hard-earned point at the County Ground.

Cowley said: “In the first half, the boys really committed against the ball and played with a lot of energy and personality but we just conceded a really soft penalty.

READ MORE: Colchester strike late to claim dramatic draw at Swindon

“Was it a penalty? If I’m honest, I think I’d have to see it back.

“That knocked us and for the second goal, we have to be better than that and defend the frame of our goal better than that and we will improve in that area for sure and we have to improve in that area, because in football if you concede two goals, you very rarely win.

“Off the second goal, you have a decision – you either become the victim or the fighter in that moment.

“You either go under or you stand up and you’re counted and credit to the players, because I thought they showed a huge amount of determination, a real resilience and a lot of fight.

“We got the goal just before half-time and I think that gives us an energy and momentum.

Gazette:

“In the second half, I felt we played much better with the ball.

“In the first half, we committed against the ball but we didn’t play with the ball in the first half and we have to.

“We want to press really aggressively and to do that, we have to be able to keep the ball so that you can keep refuelling.”

Ihionvien is claiming Colchester’s equaliser after he got the final touch to Conor Wilkinson’s backheeled effort, deep into stoppage-time.

Cowley said; “I’ve got absolutely no idea who got the touch (for the equaliser) – I was running off down the line celebrating with the supporters!

READ MORE: Swindon Town 2 Colchester United 2 - as it happened

“It was a melee goalmouth scramble – I think you’ll have to go to the dubious (goals) panel for that.

“Brad’s claiming it as he said it did ricochet off his shin but Conor Wilkinson is claiming it and so is Connor Hall!

“I’ll let them fight it out between themselves but the most important thing is that we were able to find it.”

Both Danny and assistant head coach Nicky Cowley were booked for their celebrations after Colchester’s dramatic equaliser.

The duo celebrated the goal with the U’s jubilant fans and were each shown a yellow card for their troubles.

Cowley added: “I don’t think you’re allowed to show any personality or emotion now in football!

“Who would think that you would want to celebrate a 94th-minute equaliser.”