Colchester United caretaker manager Wayne Brown said he was delighted with the character his players showed after they scored a last-gasp winner to finally see off stubborn Altrincham in the FA Cup.

The U's were behind to their National League opponents in the second-round tie at the Weston Homes Community Stadium but battled back to win 3-2, courtesy of Callum Harriott's winning strike deep into stoppage time.

Brown took charge of Colchester for the first time since being placed in temporary charge following the departure of Tony Humes and while he accepted it was not their finest performance, he was pleased with the spirit they showed.

He said: “We knew it wasn’t going to be an easy game against Altrincham; they had nothing to lose and we had everything to lose and everyone expected us to slip up especially with our current form.

“But we showed great character to score in the 94th minute.

“People have questioned our character and togetherness but I’m hoping that proves to people that we’ve got it abundance that never-say-die attitude and they never gave in.

“We stayed in the game and if you do that, you’ve got half a chance.”

Brown had special praise for two-goal hero Harriott, who was outstanding for Colchester against Altrincham.

He added: “Callum has been exceptional for us and you can see the threat that he brings.

“You get some players on loan from Premier League and Championship clubs and their mentality isn’t right.

“But he’s immense and it’s just about other people thriving off him and I think they do and he gives other players a buzz.”

For five pages of coverage of the U's game with Altrincham, see Monday's Daily Gazette.