Colchester United boosted promotion hopes after Port Vale win

Two goals from Harry Pell and another from Courtney Senior gave the U's all three points at Vale Park and secured them a first win in five league matches.

The result sees Colchester move up to fourth in the League Two table and John McGreal’s men host fellow promotion chasers Mansfield Town, next weekend.

Here, Colchester United reporter Jonathan Waldron rates the players in the excellent 3-0 victory on the road:

RENE GILMARTIN 7

Made a crucial save just before half-time to deny Joyce and played his part in the clean sheet.

RYAN JACKSON 7

Played his part in Senior’s opener with his long throw and provided the corner for Pell’s first.

TOM EASTMAN 8

Made a crucial block from Pope early on and saved Dodds’ effort off the line in stoppage-time.

LUKE PROSSER 7

Was a solid performer against his old club and led by example; dominant in the air.

BRENNAN DICKENSON 8

Impressed at left-back and made a fine block on the line in stoppage-time to preserve clean sheet.

HARRY PELL 9

U’s man of the match. Scored two goals and produced an excellent all-round midfield display.

TOM LAPSLIE 8

Helped to nullify the home side’s threat and hardly lost a single challenge throughout the game.

FRANK NOUBLE 7

Was hard working and provided the pass that led to Pell’s long-range second goal.

SAMMIE SZMODICS 7

Went close to scoring early on and always gave the Port Vale defence plenty to think about.

COURTNEY SENIOR 8

Took his early goal very well and gave the Vale defence plenty of problems throughout. Booked.

MIKAEL MANDRON 8

Was unfortunate not to score with an effort that hit the bar and provided flick on for Pell’s first.

SUBSTITUTES

BRANDON COMLEY (for Senior, 75)

Kept things simple in the closing stages on his 50th league appearance for the U's

LUKE NORRIS (for Nouble, 80)

Helped the U's see out their win.

RYAN GONDOH (for Szmodics, 89)

Was brought on in the closing stages for the U's.

SUBSTITUTES (NOT USED): Kensdale, Wright, Dunne, Barnes.