JOEY Barton admitted Colchester United gave his promotion-chasing Bristol Rovers side their most difficult game of the season.

The U's were beaten 1-0 at the Memorial Stadium, after Elliot Anderson netted a brilliant winner for them early in the second half.

Colchester frustrated the in-form home side for long periods and remained in the game throughout the 90 minutes.

And after seeing them claim a narrow win to move to within two points of the League Two play-off places, Rovers boss Barton conceded the U's made it tough for his team.

Barton said: "I think that was our most difficult game of the season.

"I think that's the first time that a team has come with the intention of making the night very, very difficult for us.

"They had a game plan which was to be condensed in central areas and give as much space in behind to penetrate in.

"Let's make no mistake, it was very much a counter-attacking strategy from them.

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"They're always difficult.

"I thought when we scored the goal early in the second half it would maybe being them out a little bit but it didn't.

"They stayed in there which I can understand given the league position that they're in and with an interim manager (Wayne Brown) who will probably want the job but if you get three, four or five (goals) on you, it might lessen your chances.

"Also their position in the league is under threat and it could well come down to goal difference.

"I totally understand it and the main thing for us was getting the three points.

"I thought we showed a real level of professionalism, in making sure that we got the job done."

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A moment of magic from Anderson (pictured above) helped see off the U's stubborn challenge.

The Newcastle United loanee curled home a precise shot past Shamal George and into the far corner, four minutes after the break.

"We knew it was going to be difficult," added Barton.

"We said it might take until the last kick of the game, which we’ve done in previous games.

"Whichever way this group has managed to find a way to win a game and that is a unique quality.

"It’s a quality that you want to have in your football team. The match-winner today was young Elliot Anderson.

"I’d have paid to watch him tonight. He was that good.

"I think to get the goal early in the second half just caps a wonderful individual performance.

"But also a young player growing into the shirt and as I say we’re delighted to have him."