Neal Ardley says he is proud of the battling nature his Notts County players showed during their 3-3 draw with Colchester on Saturday.
His side went a goal behind inside eight minutes but came back to lead 3-1 before a fortunate goal just shy of half-time swung the momentum.
The hosts converted a controversial penalty in the second period, meaning Notts were forced to settle for a point.
But the boss liked what he saw despite surrendering the lead.
“We’re all disappointed not to win the game but we’re proud because the lads fought for everything,” said Ardley.
“We put our bodies on the line and defended well, and the camaraderie and effort away from home was great.
“Previously I’ve talked about bouncing back from disappointment and I was pleased with the way we did that during the game.
“Normally scoring three on the road is enough for a win, though, so we will look to rectify that in the coming weeks.”
Ardley was pleased with the threat his side offered and felt hard done by for both the second and third U’s strikes.
“We scored three great goals today,” he said. “They came courtesy of good movement and good football.
“Going behind in the way we did was poor but then we were excellent to take a 3-1 lead before their fortuitous second.
“We even did a lot right for that goal. We had men around the ball and got a foot in to clear it so we were just unlucky to see it go in off their man.
“We felt that would swing the momentum so we went out for the second half looking to defend resiliently and see the game out, and besides a contentious penalty we did that.
“That decision is what cost us the game. I always write to The Referees’ Association with feedback and I’ll be stunned if they don’t agree with my view of the incident.”