Colchester boost play-off hopes with victory over Fleetwood

Colchester boosted their League Two play-off hopes with a 2-1 home win over Fleetwood.

Colchester took a 14th-minute lead when Kyreece Lisbie headed in Jack Payne’s free-kick for his 10th goal of the season.

And the U’s doubled their advantage in the 38th minute through Micah Mbick, who brilliantly controlled Samson Tovide’s cross before planting a low shot past goalkeeper Jay Lynch and into the corner of the net.

Payne and Lisbie both went close for Colchester before the break but Fleetwood made a double half-time change and started the second half well, with Matt Macey denying Will Davies.

But Lynch denied Kane Vincent-Young and Payne’s magnificent free-kick from the edge of the area clattered the woodwork, with 20 minutes remaining.

Fleetwood reduced the deficit in the 79th minute through Ethan Ennis, who controlled and volleyed past Macey from the edge of the area after Frankie Terry had cleared Ched Evans’ effort off the line.

But Colchester held on to claim victory and make it six games unbeaten.