Colchester United boss Steve Ball praises character of side after fighting back against Mansfield Town

Steve Ball praised his side for their fightback against Mansfield. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

James Perch seemingly secured victory with his first goal since October at the JobServeCommunity Stadium when he found the back of the net on 81 mintues.

But Frank Nouble’s leveller two minutes from time ensured the Stags travelled home with just a point following a 2-2 draw.

“It was a shame we conceded the goals that we did but it’s a really good sign of our character in the group for us to come back,” he told the Colchester Gazette.

We should have won it – Clough reacts to draw

“I thought if there was any team that was going to win it after Frank’s equaliser it was us and we were in the ascendency in the last four or five minutes.“There were goalmouth scrambles and we might have nicked it but it was a really good show of character to come back and get a point.

Ball also labelled the equalising goal as a ‘moment of magic.

“It was a fantastic goal from Frank,” said Ball. “It was a top drawer finish and that’s why we brought Frank back for moments of magic like that – it was just a shame it wasn’t the winner.”

Mansfield return to action on Wednesday night at home to Bolton.

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