COLCHESTER United registered a 2-1 win over Leyton Orient to make it back-to-back victories in League Two.

First-half goals from Kwame Poku and Ryan Jackson secured the U's the three points, despite Connor Wilkinson's strike just before half-time.

The win lifted Colchester to within two points of the play-off places.

The Gazette's Colchester United reporter Jonathan Waldron rates the U's players, following their second straight win.

DEAN GERKEN 7

Made a rare mistake for Orient’s goal just before the break but made up for it with the rest of his display

RYAN JACKSON 8
U’s man of the match. Scored a spectacular goal and played a big part in the U’s win both in defence and attack

TOM EASTMAN 7

Produced another dominant display but will be disappointed with the nature of Orient’s goal

LUKE PROSSER 8

U’s skipper seemed to relish his battle with Orient scorer Wilkinson and won countless headers

COHEN BRAMALL 7

Provided some dangerous set pieces and showed good athleticism throughout from left-back

COURTNEY SENIOR 7

Went close to scoring early in the second half and was most effective when running at Orient defence

BRENDAN WIREDU 7

Always looked to keep things moving and held his own in midfield before being replaced

BRANDON COMLEY 8

Very impressive again; offer good protection to the back four and provided assist for Jackson’s strike

KWAME POKU 7

Marked his first home start with a goal and might have had more; teenager is a star in the making

FRANK NOUBLE 7

Denied by Brill from point-blank range in the second half and worked tirelessly in attack

THEO ROBINSON 7

U’s striker provided the assist for Poku’s goal and worked hard before being replaced late on

SUBSTITUTES

TOM LAPSLIE (for Wiredu, 70)

Came on and helped keep things solid in the closing stages. Booked

PARIS COWAN-HALL (for Senior, 80)

LUKE NORRIS (for Robinson, 86)

SUBSTITUTES (NOT USED): Sowunmi, Stevenson, Brown, Ross.