STANLEY boss John Coleman was delighted with his players after their thrilling 4-4 draw at Mansfield on Tuesday night, but says it will stand for little if they don’t win on Saturday.

The Reds were denied victory in an end-to-end encounter against the high-flying Stags by Yoann Arquin’s last-minute equaliser.

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Omar Beckles put them in front in the fifth minute, with Shay McCartan and Billy Kee (2) firing the other goals. But Steve Evans’ side showed their toughness to fight back and finally grab a late point.

Coleman said: “The lads had the bit between their teeth. They know for half-an-hour at Portsmouth we didn’t perform and we gave it our all (at Mansfield).

“It was a great game to be involved in and a smashing advert for League Two.

“I am disappointed we lost a two-goal lead twice and we had to deal with some dubious decisions, but we scored some great goals and could have had more.

“We missed a couple of chances ourselves and we are disappointed we conceded four goals, but it’s good to be back scoring goals again and coming here and getting a point is a good point.

“We hope this is a step in the right direction, but it’s no good if we don’t win on Saturday, so our focus is getting three points against Colchester.”

Coleman admitted his side should have defended better at times but praised their endeavour at Field Mill.

He added: “Steve Evans alluded to it in the programme that he knew it was going to be a tough game.

“He knows that we’re better than what our league position suggest and on the evidence of that tonight we’ve shown lot of spirit and played some unbelievable football.

“We had to rise above adversity on more than one occasion as some 50-50 decisions didn’t go our way, and to keep 11 on the pitch with some of the bookings was an achievement.

“But all in all we have got to be happy to be involved in one of the classic League Two games of the season. We had numerous chances throughout the night. I’m disappointed we let them back into the game at 2-1.

“To concede from two set-plays was disappointing and the penalty that they received was a little bit dubious to say the least.

“But I couldn’t ask any more from the players. That’s what we’re about and if we play like that between now and the end of the season we’ll be safe.”

The only downside was the six bookings picked up by Stanley, which will earn them a financial penalty. Coleman added: “There were 10 yellow cards but I wouldn’t say there was a bad challenge throughout the game.

“Picking up six bookings was a disappointment because we’ll get a fine and we don’t deserve a fine.

“Two of the yellows were for kicking the ball away, yet three of their players got off scot-free for kicking the ball away.

“The decisions this season have been strange so we can’t pick out Tuesday as an isolated incident.”

He added: “Billy Kee scored a great goal and got a cut that’s probably going to need eight or nine stitches, but he gets booked for throwing the ball away. That’s what we’re up against in football today.”