COLCHESTER United were 2-1 winners at Hartlepool United, on Saturday afternoon.

An 87th-minute winner from substitute Alex Newby sealed the U's win at Victoria Park, after Fiacre Kelleher's early opener had been cancelled out by Jamie Sterry's late equaliser.

Colchester are nine points above the League Two relegation zone after chalking up a fourth straight away win.

Here are the Gazette player ratings following an excellent win.

KIERAN O’HARA 8

U's in-form goalkeeper made a superb save to deny Mika Ndjoli and also twice foiled Umerah

Gazette:

LUKE CHAMBERS 7

U's skipper was a solid performer throughout and made some key blocks and interceptions

CONNOR HALL 7

Was dominant in the air and showed good positional play at the heart of U's defence

FIACRE KELLEHER 8

U’s man of the match. Was outstanding from first minute until last and scored for second time in as many games

Gazette:

JUNIOR TCHAMADEU 7

Full of running at right wing-back and enjoyed getting forward and assisting the attack. Booked

CONNOR WOOD 7

Defended well and added support to the attack when needed from left wing-back

COLE SKUSE 7

Seldom gave the ball away in central midfield and made things tick for the U's as usual

ARTHUR READ 7

Supplied the free-kick for Kelleher’s goal and was a tenacious performer

Gazette:

NOAH CHILVERS 8

Maintained his recent fine form with another eye-catching display before being replaced

Gazette:

SAMSON TOVIDE 7

Played a part in Kelleher’s goal and gave home defence a tough time before going off

Gazette:

TOM HOPPER 7

Showed excellent link-up play throughout on his U's debut and was effective in the air

SUBSTITUTES

MATT JAY (for Tovide, 54) 7

Saw his shot saved in lead-up to Newby's winner and offered something different in the U's attack

JOHN AKINDE (for Chilvers, 65) 7

Played his part in Colchester's late winner and had an impact after coming on

ALEX NEWBY (for Read, 83)

OSSAMA ASHLEY (for Hopper, 83)

Subs (not used): Greenidge, Fevrier, Hornby.