COLCHESTER United's four-match unbeaten run was ended tonight after they were beaten 1-0 at promotion-chasing Bristol Rovers.

Elliot Anderson's fine strike early in the second half was enough to secure the Gas victory at the Memorial Stadium.

Colchester made one change to their starting line-up for the game at Bristol Rovers.

Long-serving defender Tom Eastman made his first start in six matches in place of Tommy Smith.

Colchester started the evening looking to extend their unbeaten run to five matches and pull further away from the League Two relegation zone.

It was a quiet start to the contest, with both sides easing their way into the match.

Rovers almost struck the first blow in the 13th minute when the lively Harry Anderson latched onto Sam Finley's cross-field pass and cut inside before firing in a fierce shot that U’s keeper Shamal George did well to parry.

The Gas began to find a head of steam after that and a few minutes later, George was called upon again when he parried well from Antony Evans' free-kick, from the edge of the area.

Colchester’s attacks were few and far between, although Noah Chilvers' fierce shot from the edge of the area saved at his near post by home keeper James Belshaw, on the 20-minute mark.

But generally it was Rovers who were the more threatening attacking force and the hosts almost took the lead seven minutes before half-time when Evans' shot from the edge of the area flew wide of the target, after a good build-up.

But the first half finished goal-less and Colchester almost struck in the opening minute of the second half when Rovers skipper Paul Coutts headed clear from underneath his own bar, after Eastman had helped on Chilvers' corner.

But the hosts broke the deadlock in the 49th minute.

Rovers pressed down the Colchester right and Elliot Anderson collected Finlay’s pass and curled a fine shot past George and into the far corner to give the hosts the lead.

The hosts threatened to add a second and Anderson showed fine skill to go past two U's defenders and race into the area before attempting a weak shot that sails wide, with 17 minutes remaining.

Colchester kept going until the end but they were unable to force an equaliser, as Rovers claimed a narrow victory.

MATCH STATS: COLCHESTER UNITED: George, Coxe, Chambers, Eastman, Kenlock, Skuse (sub Andrews, 85), Wiredu, Chilvers, Hannant (sub Akinde, 76), Edwards, Sears.

Subs (not used): Welch-Hayes, Tchamadeu, Miranda, Wright, Hornby.

U’s man of the match: Noah Chilvers.

Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Hoole, Connolly, Taylor, Anderton, H Anderson (sub Saunders, 69), Evans, Finley (sub Whelan, 80), Coutts, E Anderson (sub Loft, 84), Collins.

Subs (not used): Ward, Clarke, Harries, Thomas.

Referee: Sam Allison.

Bookings: Colchester: Skuse (foul, 15), Hannant (foul, 42), Edwards (foul, 70).

Sending off: None.

Goals: Bristol Rovers: Anderson (49).

Attendance: 7,314.