Burton Albion boss Gary Rowett praised the "amazing character" that saw his side home in a 4-3 thriller against Carlisle United.
Rowett's side almost let a 4-1 slip as the Cumbrians staged a brave fightback.Goals from Damien McCrory, Lee Bell, Jacob Blyth and Alex MacDonald left the hosts with a mountain to climb, although Kyle Dempsey and Brad Potts did manage replies in a remarkable six-goal opening period.
Derek Asamoah grabbed a third for Keith Curle's men in the second half, but despite a spirited comeback Carlisle fell just short.
"We spoke pre-match about getting a strong performance full of character," said Rowett, who has been linked with the vacant managerial post at his former club Birmingham.
"We have the players to hurt any team in this division and played with the bit between our teeth in the first half. It was probably the best we have played all season."
Burton were given a fifth-minute lead when substitute McCrory scored a 25-yard rocket with his first touch after coming on for hamstring victim George Taft.
Rowett added: "Having been out for six months he comes on and scores with his first touch in a league game and smashes one into the top corner. I'm pleased with the way we went about things in the first half, but the turning point was conceding a goal on the stroke of half time.
"It was frustrating that we were 4-1 ahead away from home and it was stupidity in not clearing our lines well enough. However, we dug in and showed amazing character at times. They pinned us in and we defended really resolutely."