MATT Gray admits it was a ‘shock’ to concede so early against Colchester United.

But the Sutton United boss nevertheless praised his side’s response after they battled back to claim a 3-2 victory over the U’s, at Gander Green Lane.

Colchester led twice in the League Two encounter, thanks to goals from Owura Edwards and Freddie Sears.

But those goals were twice cancelled out by Isaac Olaofe, before Will Randall netted Sutton’s stoppage-time winner.

Gray said: “To go behind so early, I thought our response was outstanding to get the equaliser so quickly.

“I thought we were dominant for the whole of the first half and suddenly, we get done on the counter-attack and concede a penalty and suddenly find ourselves 2-1 down.

“That was a little bit of a shock but as long as we stick to the game plan and keep our heads disciplined and I thought we dominated in the second half again.

“We got the equaliser and there was only going to be one winner.”

Gazette:

No top-four tier team has won more games by a single goal across all domestic competitions this season than Sutton (12).

They moved up to third in League Two with the win, their 13th league victory of the campaign.

Gray added: “To get the winner was thoroughly deserved.

“This group has got an unbelievable team spirit and belief – we’ve got a great bunch of players here and can’t wait for the next game.

“We’re relentless and we’re fit – we’re strong and I think the quality I’ve got to come off the bench as well kicks us on for the latter stages.

“Will Randall is a real threat when he comes inside – he can go both ways and he can go to the byline.

“I thought he put two good crosses in previous to scoring but then he comes inside and puts it in the bottom corner – it was a great finish.

“We believe we’re in a great position with the amount of games we’ve played and the amount of points we’ve got.

“But we do know that this is an extremely tough league and we’ve got another extremely tough game on Saturday.”