Harry Anderson hits hat-trick as Colchester too strong for Harrogate

Harry Anderson scored a magnificent first-half hat-trick as Colchester beat Harrogate 3-1 at the JobServe Community Stadium.

The visitors took a third-minute lead through Stephen Duke-McKenna, who curled a fine low shot into the far corner from Jack Evans’ pass after a sweeping attack.

But Colchester equalised in the 14th minute when Anderson finished at the second attempt after his close-range header had been blocked following Kane Vincent-Young’s cross.

Anderson then gave the U’s a 21st-minute lead by slamming home from close range to finish a flowing move after Jack Payne had latched onto Arthur Read’s pass and delivered a low cross.

Anderson completed his superb hat-trick in first-half stoppage time after sliding in to convert Read’s delivery following a swift Colchester break.

Kyreece Lisbie was denied in a one-on-one situation by Harrogate goalkeeper James Belshaw while Jack Tucker’s strike was pushed onto a post before half-time.

Belshaw denied Payne and palmed Micah Mbick’s strike on to a post in the second half as the U’s claimed a fine victory.