COLCHESTER United climbed out of the relegation zone following a splendid 3-2 victory at Crawley Town.

Tom Hopper scored twice and Cameron McGeehan also netted in the U's vital win, at Broadfield Stadium.

Here are the Colchester United player ratings, following an excellent away success for Danny Cowley's side.

SAM HORNBY 8

Looked confident on his first EFL start since November 2022 and made two key late saves. Booked

JAY MINGI 8

Maintained his fine form in defence and provided the assist for McGeehan’s goal

Gazette:

CONNOR HALL 7

Led the line well for Colchester and won the majority of his aerial battles

TOM DALLISON 7

Put in a solid performance on his return to his former club. Booked

ELLIS IANDOLO 8

Provided the assist for Hopper’s opener; put in an assured performance at left-back. Booked

Gazette:

ARTHUR READ 7

Was at fault for Crawley equaliser but that was the only blemish on another fine midfield display

NOAH CHILVERS 8

Played his part in Hopper’s opener; was tireless in his running and had an early effort pushed away

ALISTAIR SMITH 8

Seemed to cover every blade of grass and was a barrier to Crawley’s attack on return to side

Gazette:

JAYDEN FEVRIER 7

Worried the Crawley defence with his dribbling and flair particularly in the first half

CAMERON MCGEEHAN 8

Scored another vital goal to move into double figures for the U’s and always looked a threat

TOM HOPPER 9

U’s man of the match. Scored twice and was cruelly denied a hat-trick after another hard-working display

Gazette:

SUBSTITUTES

SAMSON TOVIDE (for Fevrier, 80)

RILEY HARBOTTLE (for Chilvers, 90)

Subs (not used): Richardson, Wilkinson, Jay, Akinde, Goodman.