Spireites catch U's napping

Bottom-of-the-table Chesterfield stunned Colchester with a hard-earned 2-1 away win - their first success since September 17.

All three goals came during an entertaining first half in Saturday's League One clash at the Community Stadium, with Jack Lester first on the score-sheet with a well-placed header from Liam Ridehalgh's cross.

The striker was unmarked and coolly guided his effort past U's goalkeeper Ben Williams.

Colchester forced an equaliser thanks to great work from Karl Duguid. The ball reached Steven Gillespie and the striker, fresh from scoring in last week's draw against Scunthorpe, drove a precise, low effort past Chesterfield goalkeeper Tommy Lee.

Colchester appeared to be in the ascendancy, but it was Chesterfield who grabbed what proved their winner in the 44th minute.

Ridehalgh delivered a free-kick from the right and Josh Thompson, having just gone agonisingly close with a header, rose highest to send an unstoppable effort past Williams.