It was perhaps hardly surprising that Joe Dunne cut an exhausted figure in his post-match interview after Colchester United’s hugely-important win over Leyton Orient, given the way he ploughs every ounce of energy he has into the job.

The pressures of management were clear to see but while it was apparent that the U’s boss was left mentally drained after guiding his side to a massive three points, the contentment he felt at seeing them see out victory was equally visible.

Less than three months earlier, Dunne sat in the same seat contemplating resigning from the job that he had worked so hard to get, following a demoralising defeat against Scunthorpe United.

How quickly things can change, though.

Having been allowed the opportunity to turn things around, Dunne has guided Colchester to a position where they have an excellent chance of remaining in League One – it is now Scunthorpe who look the most likely to be playing in the fourth tier next season.

And while their relegation battle is not yet over, the U’s boss can take considerable satisfaction that his managerial decisions are increasingly beginning to bear fruit at this critical stage.

Dunne’s tactics, not to mention his meticulous preparation prior to matches, is regularly having a positive effect as the season draws to a conclusion.

And the impact of loanees such as Sam Walker, Billy Clifford and Bradley Garmston against Leyton Orient served to offer further evidence of Dunne’s impressive judgement in the transfer market.

It is clear that in forming the squad he has, Dunne has a group of players who are willing to pull together and fight for the cause, with the displays of the likes of Garmston, John White and the returning John-Joe O’Toole a case in point.

In his programme notes at the weekend, Dunne challenged his players to show that they have the mental fight to survive.

Their performance against Leyton Orient suggested that they are willing to follow their manager’s example and accept that challenge with open arms.