Wayne Brown has praised the character of his Colchester United under-23 side after they recovered a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 with Derby County, in their latest Premier League Cup match.

The U's found themselves trailing to Charles Vernam's brace in the Group C clash, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

But goals from Dion Sembie-Ferris and Cameron James saw them get back on level terms and Colchester might have won the game, near the end.

U's under-23 boss Brown said: “It was a good draw against Derby but I think we should have won the game.

“But you can’t fault the lads and the character and work rate that they showed was particularly pleasing.

“It wasn’t a good start, conceding a goal after two minutes and it was frustrating to concede from a set play.

“It’s criminal to get done on detail like that, so that was disappointing.

“We then conceded a penalty against the run of play after getting on top but Dillon (Barnes) pulled off a great save.

“He made a mistake with the second goal but they happen, especially at this age group and he showed good character to put it behind him.

“We dominated Derby in the last 15 minutes of the first half and played some really good football in the final third.

“Dion Sembie-Ferris scored to make it 2-1 and we got our equaliser when Cameron James got on the end of Charley Edge’s great ball into the box.

“They had a very good chance after that but we had our own opportunities and we should really have put the game to bed.”

Colchester under-23s are next in action on Monday when they host Crystal Palace at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, kick-off 7pm.