COLCHESTER United swept Crewe Alexandra aside 4-0 to claim a much-needed victory, on Easter Monday.

John Akinde's brace and further goals from Noah Chilvers and Samson Tovide sealed a big win for Ben Garner's side, at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Here are the Gazette player ratings, following an important three points for the U's in their battle for League Two survival.

TOM SMITH 8

Made a confident debut after being called into the side at short notice and showed focus in making a fine late save to deny Agyei

LUKE CHAMBERS 8

U’s captain led by example and showed all of his vast experience

Gazette:

FIACRE KELLEHER 8

Commanding in the air again and helped keep dangerman Agyei largely quiet. Booked

CONNOR HALL 8

Played a big part in helping U’s keep a clean sheet with another impressive display

JUNIOR TCHAMADEU 8

Played a big part in Akinde’s opener and also provided assist for Chilvers’ strike in a fine performance

Gazette:

CONNOR WOOD 8

Enjoyed arguably his best game in a U’s shirt and almost scored with a long-range effort

OSSAMA ASHLEY 9

U’s man of the match. Won every midfield challenge and covered every blade of grass

ARTHUR READ 9

Excellent performance capped by the midfielder providing the assist for Tovide’s goal

Gazette:

NOAH CHILVERS 9

U’s leading scorer bagged another fine goal having earlier come close to scoring. Took responsibility again for his team

JOHN AKINDE 9

Took his two goals very well on his return to the side and was unlucky not to earn a penalty

SAMSON TOVIDE 8

Thoroughly deserved his second-half goal after another hard-working display and linked up effectively with Akinde

Gazette:

SUBSTITUTES

WILL GREENIDGE (for Tchamadeu, 61) 7

Came close to scoring with a long-range effort after coming on at right wing-back

TOM HOPPER (for Akinde, 62) 7

Made his presence felt up front in the final half hour and was strong in the air again

COLE SKUSE (for Read, 67) 7

Experienced midfielder made a welcome return with his first appearance in two months following knee surgery

Gazette:

MATT JAY (for Chilvers, 67) 7

Was a livewire after coming on and came close to scoring with a deflected shot

JAYDEN FEVRIER (for Tovide, 76)

Subs (not used): Newby, Sears.