COLCHESTER United beat Grimsby Town 2-0 to give their League Two survival hopes a huge lift, on Tuesday night.
Goals from Tom Hopper and John Akinde secured the U's a vital victory at the JobServe Community Stadium, leaving them four points above the relegation zone and a game in hand over rivals Sutton United.
Here are the Gazette player ratings, following a second successive victory for Danny Cowley's side.
SAM HORNBY 8
Made a brilliant save late on to deny Wood and played his part in helping Colchester keep clean sheet. Booked
JAY MINGI 8
Another fine performance; made a fine block to deny Obikwu what looked a certain goal at point blank range
CONNOR HALL 8
Put in a captain’s performance to help his side keep a rare clean sheet. Was dominant in the air
TOM DALLISON 7
Played really well and made some vital blocks in the area but was sent off near the end
ELLIS IANDOLO 8
Had a big impact on the left side of the U’s defence and looked assured throughout. Booked
ARTHUR READ 8
Provided the excellent assist for Hopper’s goal and put in another impressive midfield display
ALISTAIR SMITH 7
Performed well in the early stages and battled on after early ankle injury before going off at half-time
JAYDEN FEVRIER 8
Gave the Grimsby defence multiple problems and had a goalbound effort cleared off the line
CAMERON MCGEEHAN 7
Went close with a good first-half effort and kept trying to drive his team on until the end
TOM HOPPER 8
Took his goal brilliantly and was an impressive performance at both ends of the pitch
JOHN AKINDE 8
U’s man of the match. Capped an excellent display with a superb goal on his return to the side
SUBSTITUTES
NOAH CHILVERS (for Smith, 46) 7
Was effective in midfield after coming off the bench at half-time
RILEY HARBOTTLE (for Akinde, 82)
JAYDEN RICHARDSON (for Fevrier, 90)
Subs (not used): Wilkinson, Jay, Ihonvien, Goodman.
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