Colchester United recorded back to back wins for the first time this season with an impressive 3-1 victory over play-off chasing Barnsley this afternoon.

Second-half goals from Gavin Massey, Jacob Murphy and George Moncur gave the U's a precious win in their battle against relegation from League One and saw them extend their unbeaten run to four matches.

U’s goalkeeper Sam Walker had to push Mason Holgate’s cross over for a corner from underneath his own crossbar, in an even first half.

Both Sammie Szmodics and Massey were booked for the U’s in the first half along with James Bailey and referee Keith Hill was not shy in showing cards.

Barnsley had a penalty appeal turned down by Hill when Conor Hourihane went down under Moncur’s challenge in the area.

But the Reds were ahead five minutes before half-time through George Waring, who glanced home Hourihane’s curling free-kick into a crowded area to give the visitors the lead.

Colchester almost fell further behind five minutes after the break when Hourihane volleyed over from the edge of the area for the visitors.

But the U’s were almost back on level terms soon after when Porter’s fierce shot was turned away for a corner at his near post by Barnsley keeper Adam Davies.

And from the resultant corner, Alex Wynter nodded straight at Davies from close range after Tom Eastman had headed the ball on.

Colchester sent on Alex Gilbey for Szmodics after that and it helped to turn the game in the hosts' favour.

Walker made a fine save to push away Ben Pearson’s goalbound effort for a corner before Colchester equalised just after the hour through Gavin Massey, who raced in to stab home at the far post from Jacob Murphy's teasing cross.

And after Gilbey had headed straight at Davies, the U's took the lead with ten minutes to go.

Massey escaped down the left and delivered a fine cross for Murphy to head home from close range, to send the Community Stadium into raptures.

And it got even better for the U's fans with four minutes remaining when Moncur slotted home decisively from the impressive Massey's pass to make it 3-1 and seal three vital points.

For full coverage of the U's game with Barnsley, see Tuesday's Daily Gazette.