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

Gazette:

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

Gazette:

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

Gazette:

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.