Colchester United have avoided relegation following a fine 2-0 win at Carlisle United this afternoon.

Second-half goals from Gavin Massey and Tom Eastman secured the U's the points they required to stay in League One, as Joe Dunne's side secured a deserved victory at Brunton Park.

Billy Clifford forced Carlisle goalkeeper Mark Gillespie to save his long-range effort early on while Liam Noble and Liam Miller both went close for the home side.

But the U's were comfortable in the first half and might have had a penalty when Sean O'Hanlon appeared to handle Clifford's cross in the area.

Colchester started the second half brightly and took a precious lead when Massey's looping header sailed into the net, after Clifford's long-range effort had come back off the crossbar.

And when Eastman nodded in David Wright's cross to double Colchester's lead with ten minutes to go, the U's place in League One for next season was virtually assured.

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