PROUD Colchester United boss John McGreal hailed the never-say-die attitude and work ethic of his players as they fought back to snatch a last-gasp leveller at Mansfield Town.

The U’s looked on course for an unfortunate defeat after Craig Davies’ spectacular strike for the Stags.

But Sammie Szmodics prodded home deep into stoppage time to keep the U’s unbeaten start going after three League Two matches.

McGreal had nothing but praise for the players and felt his side “nailed it” tactically.

“We never gave up,” said the U’s chief.

“We changed our personnel and shape again and I thought it was heading for a 0-0.

“We nullified what they were doing.

“I wouldn’t say I felt comfortable but certainly really assured.

“Their goal was the first shot they had and we were holding our own until the kid hit one from the edge of the box.

“Then, with just a few minutes left, you’re wondering if our boys are going to come back.

“But we showed great character, wanting to get forward and get balls into the box.

“I still felt we could get something from the game, which is why I changed the shape again.

“Tactically, we nailed it.

“I just felt we needed two up top.

“It might have looked a bit strange, bringing on a defender for a defender, but we changed our shape again and went 3-5-2.

“It gave us extra men in the attacking third and it meant we had bodies in the six-yard box when the throw came in (for the equaliser).”

McGreal admitted being delighted with his side’s unbeaten start to the campaign.

Saturday’s result followed an opening-day draw at much-fancied Notts County, followed by an eye-catching 2-0 victory against Port Vale at the JobServe Community Stadium.

“Mansfield are a big team in our division and they put Accrington to the sword on Tuesday night,” said the U’s boss.

“The big help they had was their crowd, who really got behind them.

“We knew they were going to come out sharp but I felt we suffocated them a bit.

“It was a sweet moment to score so late, especially as they’d scored eight or nine minutes from time.

“To put in that defensive performance, keep our shape and show that kind of work ethic was superb.

“We did the basics well which was our message from the start and a few of our boys ran themselves into the ground.

“We were actually debating taking Sammie off, because he looked so tired.

“But he can score goals out of nothing and there he is, right on time, to tap the ball over the line.”