Brilliant, masterful, superb, sensational, call it what you like, Colchester United were just simply a different class as they demolished managerless Gillingham at Layer Road.

The result now means Colchester have won six games in a row, a feat they last achieved 18 years ago, and they are well and truly knocking on the door of the play-off places.

And what a way to do it?

The Gills were just bystanders towards the end as Greg Halford bagged a mesmerising brace to cap his 100th appearance for the Us and set about the start of the rout.

The visitors had begun in a defensive 4-5-1 formation and looked quite solid in the opening moments.

For the full report, plus reaction and pictures, see Monday's Evening Gazette.