DANNY Cowley was pleased with the response of his Colchester United players after some ‘honest’ conversations in the aftermath of their defeat against Cheltenham Town.

The U’s bounced back from their disappointing home loss at the hands of the Robins last weekend with a battling 1-1 draw at high-flying Chesterfield, on Tuesday night.

Colchester, who host Salford City on Saturday (kick-off 12.30pm), were without several attacking players due to injury but provided a good response and whether the feedback is good or bad, boss Cowley says he will always be candid with his squad.

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Cowley said: "Sometimes, when you're in adversity you learn a lot about yourself in these situations and I liked what I learnt about the team (against Chesterfield).

"When you play badly and then get key injuries as well, it can really hurt you.

"For me, it's always to speak honestly.

"I always say I'm the players' best friend, because I tell them the truth.

"It might not always make me popular but I tell them what I think, because I want to help them.

"When it's good, I'll be the first to pat them on the back and congratulate them but when they come up short, it's my responsibility to them to highlight why and help them to move forward.”

(Image: RICHARD BLAXALL)

Colchester claimed a hard-fought point at Chesterfield, with substitute Harry Anderson’s commitment in the final minutes the epitome of their battling display.

The winger won a crucial tackle on the edge of his own box and soon after, courageously won a vital header in his own six-yard box to ensure the U’s came away from the SMH Group Stadium with a point.

"He's definitely not short of bravery,” said Cowley.

"He's a good kid, Harry; he's had a tough start to the season.

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"Injuries have just meant that he hasn't quite found the level of fitness that he needs.

"He's such a physical being, such a powerful boy and he relies so much on his athleticism and when his fitness is not quite there, he can really hurt his performance.

"But he'll get there - he's a top person and he's a top player at this level.”

(Image: RICHARD BLAXALL)

Cowley also had words of praise for the 208 Colchester fans who made the trip to Chesterfield, on Tuesday night.

Cowley added: "I thought the supporters were brilliant and I was so proud to see so many of them there.

"After our performance last Saturday, they could easily have decided against it.

"I think it says everything about our supporters and their loyalty and their willingness to support the team.”