JOHN Coleman admits his Accrington Stanley side are likely to feel happier with the point after their 1-1 draw at Colchester United.

And the vastly-experienced Reds boss says he enjoyed locking swords with his U's counterparts Danny and Nicky Cowley again, at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Colchester looked like they were heading for a vital win, after Noah Chilvers put them ahead with a superb long-range strike before half-time.

But despite having Brad Hills sent off just after the break, Accrington claimed a point thanks to Riley Harbottle's 80th-minute own goal.

READ MORE: Colchester United player ratings after Accrington Stanley draw

Coleman said: "I really like Danny and Nicky.

"We had a little bit of banter on the sideline and they're kicking every ball for their team.

"They're wanting every single decision to go for them and rightly so - they love football and they love their team.

"Afterwards, we go in and have a non-alcoholic drink and I wish them all the best.

"It's a good club, Colchester - I've had quite a few run ins with Colchester over the years.

Gazette:

"Football is such a harsh game that can go on the bounce of a ball; a referee, or a linesman or a fourth official's interpretation of an incident, a deflection.

"Our goal was a fluke and we had the same goal go against us last week at MK Dons, with a deflection.

"They'll feel as though the game was won and they've thrown it away.

"We're going away a little bit happier, because we've gone down to ten men and I think they'll be really disappointed, because they were in the driving seat."

Colchester were the better side in the first half and created all of the game's best chances against play-off chasing Accrington.

READ MORE: Colchester United fans have their say on Accrington Stanley draw

But despite going ahead, they failed to seize the initiative in the contest and allowed the visitors a route back into the game.

“We were poor in the first half; I thought it was a poor game," said Coleman.

“We didn’t offer anything going forward in the first half or nowhere near as much as we should have done.

“It was a controversial goal that they’ve scored; play is allowed to go on and the referee has obviously missed it.

“The big turning point is the sending off; I was speaking to John Akinde when he came off and he said it was a yellow at the very, very worst – that’s not me saying that, that’s their centre-forward and he was closer than me but that’s football.

Gazette:

“It wouldn’t be the first time this season that we get a harsh decision against us and it definitely won’t be the last, so you’ve just got to get on with it.

“I thought we showed terrific spirit and nullified their chances and our keeper has barely made a save of importance.

"He took a couple of great catches and we battled away - I don't think anyone can begrudge us getting a point.

"They're a great set of lads but if they're going to show character, they've got to show character to play football, not just to defend or try and disarm the opposition.

READ MORE: Meet the 20-year-old who is 'world's youngest football club owner'

"We've got to go and attack teams and we haven't, as of late.

"We scored two terrific goals during the week (against AFC Wimbledon) but were possibly a little bit leggy because of having a long trip and they haven't played, so they've got that advantage.

"With an injury list as long as we have and the skipper (Seamus Conneely) going off with a groin, you can forgive us for looking tired and leggy but we've still got to be better on the ball; we've still got to pass the ball better and retain possession better.

"We've got to be more of a threat; that was the disappointing factor from us, for me today."