DELIGHTED Town boss Lee Clark praised his players for showing “massive character”.

Trailing 2-1 at the break to goals by Kayode Odejayi (4) and Michail Antonio (26) after Jordan Rhodes’ third-minute opener, Town needed a big response to maintain their unbeaten record and secure a 3-2 success.

Goals by Rhodes (59) and Lee Novak (64) achieved that and Clark explained: “The players showed they’ve got massive character and massive heart to get the win.

“They could easily have thrown in the towel with the expectation and become even more nervous and not had a go.

“But between the players and the fans they lifted each other – it was all about passion – and we achieved the result.”

Anton Robinson finished the match suffering cramp – he returned to the side for only a second appearance after being injured on the opening day – while Gary Naysmith limped away from the stadium with a sore ankle after being fouled by Ian Henderson in the 35th minute (the Colchester player was booked).

“We gave two poor goals away, especially after we scored a terrific goal ourselves,” said Clark.

“To concede within 30 seconds of taking the lead was awful, particularly when we had talked about Odejayi’s pace and power, and the second goal was awful as well so we are not delighted about that, but it’s about winning football matches and that’s what we did.”

A big factor in the turnaround was the performance of substitute Danny Ward on the left flank, who replaced Gary Roberts (Achilles niggle) at half time.

“I thought Danny was excellent,” said the manager, who travels with the squad today for the Carling Cup second round tie at Cardiff tomorrow night.

“Gary couldn’t get into the game for whatever reason. He had had a bit of an Achilles niggle in training on Friday but he was desperate to play. Maybe the injury was a little bit more sore than he told me, but anyway I just told Danny to go on and be positive, to run at the full-back and put him in the danger zone.

“We wanted to get in shots and crosses. They worst thing that could happen would be that defenders got in blocks and clearances, but I think we looked a threat and that wasn’t just Danny Ward, it was every man in the team from Ian Bennett right through.

“Jordan Rhodes’ finishing for his two goals was excellent – the second was a terrific hit – and then the movement for the third goal was superb.

“That’s what Donal McDermott can do for you, the pass was exquisite, and then Lee Novak is in great form and finished it really well.”

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