COLCHESTER United claimed an impressive 3-0 win at previous leaders Gillingham, on Saturday afternoon.

Second-half goals from Fiacre Kelleher, Samson Tovide and Bradley Ihionvien helped the U's secure their first win of the season, in League Two.

The win lifted Colchester off the bottom of the table, having played a game fewer than the teams around them.

Here are the Gazette player ratings following an excellent away day, for Ben Garner's side.

OWEN GOODMAN 8

U’s keeper made a fine early save to deny Dieng and then foiled Bonne in the second half; fully deserved the clean sheet

WILL GREENIDGE 8

Provided two assists for Tovide and Ihionvien and grew in stature as the game went on

NICO LAWRENCE 7

Looked his usual assured self before being stretchered off with an ankle injury just before half-time

Gazette:

CONNOR HALL 8

Colchester’s captain was in excellent form and helped nullify the threat of Gillingham front duo Nichols and Nadesan

JUNIOR TCHAMADEU 7

Was deployed in a more advanced role for Colchester before being replaced after the break. Booked

Gazette:

JAYDEN FEVRIER 8

Troubled the Gillingham defence with his pace and trickery on the left flank before being replaced late on

ARTHUR READ 8

Provided steel in the Colchester midfield to help nullify the hosts’ creativity and frustrate them

MANDELA EGBO 7

Put in a solid and committed performance at left-back; showed his experience. Booked

NOAH CHILVERS 7

Supplied the corner that led to Kelleher scoring U’s opener and was not afraid to get on the ball

Gazette:

JOE TAYLOR 8

Battled hard throughout for Colchester and should have been awarded a penalty early in the game. Booked

SAMSON TOVIDE 9

U’s man of the match. Was a threat throughout and capped his triumphant return with a superb goal

SUBSTITUTES

FIACRE KELLEHER (for Lawrence, 45) 8

Marked his return to the U’s side with a well-taken goal and was a rock in central defence

Gazette:

ALEX NEWBY (for Tchamadeu, 55) 7

Looked inventive and lively after coming off the bench and played his part in a fine second-half display

BRADLEY IHIONVIEN (for Taylor, 55) 8

Took his first-ever professional goal extremely well and also had a hand in U's opening two goals

MAURO BANDEIRA (for Tovide, 85)

AL-AMIN KAZEEM (for Fevrier, 85)

Substitutes (not used): Jay, Smith.