They don't come much better than this, and the 4,482 fans who witnessed Colchester United's 5-4 win over Bristol Rovers at Layer Road on Saturday know they saw something special.

Those who missed it should be kicking themselves for missing a match that should live long in the memory.

U's manager Steve Whitton paid tribute to the never-say-die attitude which earned his troops their remarkable win.

The triumph - one of the most spectacular matches in Layer Road history - was sealed courtesy of a last-minute wonder goal from Lomana Tresor Lua Lua.

And the U's chief could hardly contain his delight after watching his team claw back from 3-1 down to snatch the points.

He said: "I can't say enough about the team spirit. We showed tremendous character and the points have provided us with a platform to build on.

"It was a brilliant match and one we'll be talking about for a long time - performances and results like that are the whole reason we're in the game.

"To score five goals is a great achievement but the only disappointing factor is the fact we gifted them four. They didn't have to work for any of theirs. The back four were punished for lapses in concentration and I thought both penalties were blatant.

"But otherwise it was a great day for the team and I thought David Gregory and Gavin Johnson did especially well in midfield."

Whitton also had special mention for heroes Karl Duguid and Steve McGavin.

"I was especially pleased to see Steve get on the end of the free-kick for his first because that's something we've been working on in training," he added.

"Both players are a credit to the club and a great example to the youngsters here because they give their all during matches.

"It was typical of Lomana to score such a great goal. I know some fans get frustrated because he doesn't always start matches but it's my job to make that decision."

Whitton received a further boost today when David Lee made his first appearance at training.

The former Chelsea defender, 32, has been signed by the U's on non-contract terms and is likely to play for the reserves on Wednesday.

But one sour note is a setback for on-loan Ipswich Town defender Titus Bramble. The 19-year-old twisted his knee in the defeat of Rovers and is doubtful for the trip to Notts County on Saturday.

Colchester's top five?

Are these the best five matches ever played at Layer Road?

1971: U's 3 LEEDS 2 - This was THE match for which the U's are most famous. Ray Crawford scored two and Dave Simmons one as Don Revie's mighty Leeds side were humbled by Fourth Division opponents.

1982: U's 3 NEWCASTLE 4 - An epic FA Cup third round replay with the U's playing out of their skins before succumbing to a Newcastle side which included Malcolm Macdonald.

1992: U's 5 BARROW 0 - Not so much a contest, more a masterclass as the U's celebrated their GM Vauxhall Conference title in style a week before their first ever trip to Wembley for the FA Trophy final. American Mike Masters almost burst the net with one shot.

1998: U's 4 HULL 3 - Two goals up inside 15 minutes, the U's appeared to be strolling to another victory on their way to the Division Three promotion play-offs. With 12 minutes to go, they incredibly trailed 3-2 and appeared to be going nowhere.

Then Joe Dunne and Karl Duguid - in the final minute - netted spectacular goals to send the Bank Holiday crowd home happy.

2000: U's 5 BRISTOL ROVERS 4 - An unexpected treasure of a match against a Rovers team which had conceded only nine goals in 12 previous away games.

Despite gifting two goals to the impressive Jason Roberts and conceding two penalties, the U's attacked with panache and spirit to pull off a magnificent win.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.