Colchester United ended a run of six games without a win with a vital 2-1 victory over Coventry City.

The U's got back to winning ways, in front of the U's third highest home crowd of the season.

Colchester were ahead in the fourth minute through Freddie Sears, who broke clear of the Coventry defence and confidently slotted the ball through goalkeeper Joe Murphy’s legs.

Sears fired straight into Murphy’s arms soon after while at the other end, John Fleck’s free-kick flew straight into the arms of keeper Sam Walker from the edge of the area.

But Colchester doubled their lead midway through the first half through Gavin Massey, who finished clinically into the bottom corner after latching onto David Wright’s ball over the top of the Coventry defence.

Walker pushed away Chuba Akpom’s fine low shot before Coventry reduced the deficit, just before half-time.

Callum Wilson picked up possession at a tight angle and somehow squeezed a superb low shot past Walker and into the far bottom right corner.

The second half was a tightly-contested affair, with Walker doing well to push away Jordan Clarke's low attempt and at the other end, substitute Craig Eastmond firing over from a decent position.

Wilson squandered a great chance to equalise for Coventry with 15 minutes to go when he escaped the U's defence and five minutes of stoppage-time made for a nervy finish for U's fans but they held out for a vital win.

For a full match report, pictures and reaction to Colchester United's game with Coventry City, see Monday's Daily Gazette.