COLCHESTER United boss Hayden Mullins praised the character of his team after they battled back to salvage a draw against Bristol Rovers.

Substitute Noah Chilvers' fine 88th-minute equaliser helped the U's claim a draw at the JobServe Community Stadium, after Brett Pitman had given the visitors the lead just before the hour in the League Two clash.

Bristol Rovers finished the game with nine men after Cian Harries and then substitute Trevor Clarke were sent off, while U's right-back Junior Tchamadeu was also dismissed late on.

Mullins said: "Credit to the boys with the character they showed to get back into the game.

"To do that against a good side was fantastic.

“We definitely deserved something out of the game.

“We pressed and got after them, especially in the first half.

“Freddie (Sears) had a great chance in the middle of the goal in the first half and there were chances for (Luke) Chambers and (Armando) Dobra in the second half.

“After they scored, I think we got a little bit desperate in trying to chase the game – there were still 20 minutes left which is a long time in the game.

“We had to stay nice and positive and it was about keeping the shape and staying nice and calm.

"If they'd scored a second, the game would have been over and we didn't need to panic.

"We regained our composure, we changed something in the shape and that gave us something of a foothold.

"We pushed Noubs (Frank Nouble) out onto their full-back in the second half and that was our out ball, in terms of getting the ball to Charlie (Daniels).

"With his quality on his left foot, it's where you want to get him in the game."

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Mullins had praise for Chilvers, following his superb strike that secured Colchester a draw.

The 20-year-old controlled before lashing home a magnificent left-foot strike from the edge of the area that flew past goalkeeper James Belshaw.

Mullins said: “Full credit to Noah – he’s come on at half-time into a position which isn’t really his main one where he has to be a little bit more defensive.

"But when he got his chance, he took it.

“What a finish; for a young man of his age to chest it and have the confidence to take that on with his left foot from there was no mean feat.

"It's a hard technique and a hard skill and with people running towards you, to get it through that congested area with his left foot, it's some finish.

“We see that most days in training from Noah and it got us right back into the game."

Tchamadeu is now facing a three-match ban after being shown a straight red card by Premier League referee Graham Scott near the end after grappling with Rovers substitute Clarke, in front of the technical area.

Mullins said: "There was one that I questioned in the first half where Brendan (Wiredu) won the ball and gave him a yellow for it.

"I spoke to the fourth official and he said that the linesman didn't think it was a foul but the referee did and cautioned him for dangerous play, which I questioned.

"I know Joey (Barton) was unhappy with their sending off for time wasting for a throw.

"I think the one on Junior is tough because that happens - emotions boil over and I don't think Junior has done anything wrong but hold the guy (Clarke).

"I didn't see it but our bench has said that their guy (Clarke) has thrown a punch at Junior.

"Junior was holding the guy but I can't see what he got sent off."