IT'S difficult to think of a better, more enthralling contest played at the JobServe Community Stadium in the venue’s 15-year history.

Colchester United’s classic encounter with league leaders Notts County had just about everything; it was a magnificent advertisement for League Two.

It was a breathless contest, with its nine goals a reflection of the entertainment that was served up for a lucky crowd of nearly 4,500.

READ MORE: Colchester United player ratings after Notts County victory

From the very first whistle, the tempo of the game was relentless, as both teams attacked from the off and with only one thing tactically on their minds.

And it remained the case until the very last seconds, as the visitors pressed frantically for an equaliser.

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Ultimately, the main thing for the U’s was that they won the game and came out victorious.

But the manner in which they did so was a huge reflection of how Ben Garner wants to see his young U’s side play; with dynamism, bravery and creativity.

Their fantastic performance had all of those things in abundance and the five goals they scored against currently the division’s leading side were all of a high quality, with at least three of them candidates for the club’s Goal of the Season award.

Indeed, each of Colchester’s four scorers on the day grabbed their first goals of the season – and in some style, too.

READ MORE: Ben Garner's verdict on Colchester's epic win over Notts County

One of those goalscorers, Noah Chilvers, had boldly stated after last week’s painful defeat at Crewe Alexandra that U’s wins and goals would arrive like London buses.

The midfielder felt Colchester were capable of scoring a hatful against any side in the division and the triumph over Notts County proved that the case.

We should not be surprised, though.

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Colchester have been more than a match for the division’s early high-flying teams in these early weeks of the season.

They were comprehensive winners at Gillingham and were only denied victory over Mansfield Town by a stoppage-time equaliser, prior to seeing off Notts County.

Ironically, Colchester’s two strikers, Joe Taylor and Samson Tovide, did not get on the scoresheet but they nevertheless played a huge part in their side’s win.

READ MORE: U's stun league leaders Notts County in thrilling encounter

Both were excellent, prompting Notts County boss Luke Williams to single them both out for special praise in his magnanimous post-match interview.

U’s boss Garner will now have to change his starting line-up for the first time in five matches for the trip to play Newport County, on Tuesday night.

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Midfielder Cameron McGeehan will miss the match as he serves a one-match suspension following his red card against Notts County, while Mandela Egbo is also set to serve a ban, after picking up a fifth booking of the season.

It means Garner will have to shuffle his pack and it will be a different scenario for the U’s at Rodney Parade but one that they can approach with genuine confidence, following their impressive weekend’s work.