COLCHESTER United claimed a pivotal 1-0 win over Port Vale at the JobServe Community Stadium, on Saturday afternoon.
Tom Dallison's late headed goal proved enough to give the U's victory over Vale, ending a six-match winless run.
The result leaves Colchester five points above the League Two relegation zone, with 11 matches remaining.
Here are the Gazette player ratings, following a huge win for Wayne Brown's side.
SHAMAL GEORGE 8
Pulled off a superb save late on to help seal the U’s win and clean sheet
CAMERON COXE 7
Another positive performance from the energetic right-back despite having his work cut out dealing with wing-back Hussey
LUKE CHAMBERS 7
Led the team well and played his part in their first home clean sheet since October
TOM DALLISON 8
U’s man of the match. Was solid throughout and capped his display with a crucial goal
MYLES KENLOCK 7
Was up against it dealing with the tricky Worrall but showed a good attitude
BRENDAN WIREDU 8
Was impressive on his return to the team and worked extremely hard throughout
EMYR HUWS 7
Kept the U’s midfield ticking over with his distribution and won his fair share of challenges
NOAH CHILVERS 8
Another impressive performance by the Colchester midfielder and was rewarded with the assist for their winner
LUKE HANNANT 7
Worked hard for the cause and tried to do the right things even if they did not always come off
TYREIK WRIGHT 7
Did his fair share of defensive work after the Villa loanee was recalled to the side
FREDDIE SEARS 7
Went close with a shot that flew just wide in the first half; looked more effective when Akinde came on
SUBSTITUTES
JUNIOR TCHAMADEU (for Wright, 73) 7
Teenage defender full of running on the right flank after coming off the bench
JOHN AKINDE (for Huws, 75) 7
Gave Colchester a different dynamic after coming on in the latter stages
TOMMY SMITH (for Sears, 88)
Subs (not used): Eastman, Miranda, Andrews, Hornby.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here