Gareth Ainsworth hailed Craig Mackail-Smith and his side's work ethic as they pulled off a workmanlike 2-1 win away at Colchester.

Mackail-Smith scored the winner on 66 minutes and was a constant thorn to the U's backline, with his shot in the first half being parried away before Nathan Tyson scored the rebound.

Ainsworth said: "I am still amazed we could bring Craig to the club. His workrate is phenomenal. He is such a special player.

"He never stops going and he is awesome to have the squad. He will be limping around for two days and as soon as Tuesday arrives he will be haring it around again.

"He is just great to have around and an unsung hero. Along with Nathan Tyson we had to peel both those guys off the pitch at the end and it was a fine win and a very enjoyable victory."

Ainsworth was also complimentary about Dan Scarr who looked assured at the heart of the Wanderers defence in just his second league start.

He added: "Dan has fitted in so well. Non-league has served Dan brilliantly and done him the world of good. He is tough and a winner. We are so lucky to have him, Anthony Stewart and Adam El-Abd. These are fantastic problems."

"Dan had a superb game and it was great to see."

Overall, Ainsworth was pleased with his side responded after a gut-wrenching defeat to Luton the previous week and delighted to continue a long unbeaten run away from Adams Park.

"It was deserved thanks to a couple of magic moments from us," commented the 44-year-old.

"Scott Brown produced an excellent performance for us, and he kept us in it because of a couple of hairy moments.

"I thought we played better against Luton but it is fantastic to get the win and the fans were magnificent for us. They never stopped singing and they spurred the boys on.

"The boys defended superbly at the end and we showed a lot of character."