HEYBRIDGE Swifts boss Jody Brown hailed the character and personality of his side as they bounced back to draw 2-2 against in-form Brightlingsea Regent.

The Scraley Road side were two-down in 12 minutes but stormed back thanks to a brace from Jack Barham.

Tuesday’s result came hot on the heels of a bitterly disappointing 4-1 defeat at home to Soham Town Rangers on Saturday.

“The weekend was a real low for the players and myself,” said Brown, whose Ryman League division north side are now preparing for an FA Trophy first qualifying round trip to King’s Langley on Saturday.

“It was a bad day which tested all our personalities, because we were in control and ended up losing 4-1.

“It was one of those occasions when you question yourself and ask yourself ‘why am I in this game?’ “Everyone was deflated and then we had the worst possible start on Tuesday, being 2-0 down in 12 minutes.

“It was a massive test of character for our young squad and so important that we got back on level terms.

“Brightlingsea turned the screw again at the end, having countless corners and throws, but they didn’t really have a goal attempt.

“That’s testament to how well we defended against a big, strong and well-organised side.

“The reaction was great and I’ve always said that this group can compete with anyone in the league. It was a massive test of the boys’ personality and great that they came through it.

“It was a very pleasing because we turned a bad situation into quite a good one.”

Barham also scored in Saturday’s defeat.