DANNY Cowley said he was proud of his Colchester United players after they played out a 1-1 draw with Crewe Alexandra to secure their League Two status this afternoon.

The U's went into their final game of the season knowing a point would be enough to keep them up and they achieved it, although it looked for a long time that they would claim victory at the JobServe Community Stadium against their play-off-chasing opponents.

Noah Chilvers' gave Colchester a 35th-minute lead with a fine strike and although Elliott Nevitt equalised for Crewe in stoppage-time, it was not enough to deny the U's their target of staying in the Football League.

READ MORE: Colchester 1 Crewe 1 - match report as U's secure league spot

U's boss Cowley said: "I thought we played really well.

"We were able to execute under pressure which isn't easy and I was proud of their performance.

"I was particularly proud of the energy and intensity that they found.

"I knew where they were and I knew that they were on empty and I didn't know how they would play today, I'll be honest.

"When you look at boys like Tom Hopper who's just an incredible competitor, when he's empty, you pretty much know where the group is.

"They had to go to the well today and dig really deep and they did that and we managed to get what we needed.

Gazette:

“I still don’t know how we don’t win that game, we were in such a good place in the game.

“I suppose it was typical us really, that we give such a soft goal away.

“I’ll be honest, I’m actually quite annoyed that we did concede.

“I had a 50 per cent win ratio when I arrived at this club and I don’t think the players respect that!

“We’re certainly going to need to win some games next year for me to get that back in the red!

“I’ve inherited two relegation battles, one at Huddersfield Town and one here and I’ve been fortunate enough to be successful in both.

READ MORE: Colchester United 1 Crewe Alexandra 1 - as it happened

“I have to say, it’s been like torture this week, because I know how much this club means to the people that work here and the supporters and of course, you carry that responsibility.

"So this has not been easy and I'm promise you, I'm never getting involved with another relegation battle again!"

Cowley praised goalscorer Chilvers for his performance, after the U's academy product produced a man-of-the-match display.Gazette:

"I thought he was excellent in the first half, wow," said Cowley.

"He was just typical Noah and he's got such top-end quality.

"We know that if we get Noah in the right position and you get him enough ball, he can be a very dangerous player at this level.

"He can go on the outside and stand up and cross it with his left foot, he can come inside and shoot like he did.

"He has a habit of finding a big moment at the right time, for this football club."