Dunne hails his battling U's side (From Essex County Standard)

Dunne hails his battling U's side

10:36pm Tuesday 5th March 2013 in Sport By Jonathan Waldron

Joe Dunne praised his Colchester United players after they battled to a 0-0 draw at relegation-haunted Hartlepool United.

The U's had to play with ten men for all of the second half, after Jabo Ibehre was harshly sent off for a challenge on Neil Austin.

However, Colchester defended extremely well to claim a point at Victoria Park and make it three clean sheets in a row in League One.

U's boss Dunne said: "Overall, it was a wonderful point.

"The players' discipline and attitude was great and we came out of it with a lot of credit.

"We did a lot of tactical work at half-time and then we changed it a bit as the game went on to baffle them a bit more."

Dunne said Colchester will appeal Ibehre's red card.

He said: "I've looked at it again on the video and we'll be appealing it straight away.

"I felt it was a fair challenge and there was no studs showing when he made the challenge.

"The laces were going for the ball but (Neil) Austin got straight up to his credit and I think everybody around there felt it was harsh.

"I felt the angle the referee had made it difficult and he had a difficult night."

For all of the latest Colchester United news, see the Gazette.