A SUPERB display by Chris Jackson helped Colchester Gladiators record only their second win of the season.

Jackson, who was Gladiators' Most Valuable Player last year, inspired the Mill Road-based side to a 40-16 victory at bottom club Hertfordshire Cheetahs.

He produced a four touchdown performance, three on the ground and one through the air.

The two-way star showed why he is so valuable to the team with a dominating performance on both sides of the ball, to boost his team's chances of avoiding relegation.

The Gladiators started well for once, receiving the opening kick-off and stunning the home team with a 45-yard pass completion from quarterback Curtis Bourke to receiver Vic Williams with the game's first play from scrimmage.

Four plays later, Williams was on the receiving end of a four-yard touchdown pass to open the scoring.

Nick Anderson took over place-kicking duties from the injured Nathan Brown but had his kick blocked but the Gladiators led 6-0.

Colchester's defence put in a much-improved performance, holding the hosts to just three first-half points, coming through a field goal on their first possession.

They were made to work for it, having to take 12 plays to travel 40 yards before successfully slotting the kick from 28 yards to half a 6-3 lead.

After an exchange of punts and a change of ends for the start of the second quarter, the Gladiators scored again.

Williams and Tom Clarke held on to two Bourke passes for first downs before the 11 play drive was completed with Bourke's one-yard run.

Anderson's kick hit the right upright and stayed out, to keep the score 12-3.

With time running out at the end of the half, the Cheetahs took to the air, reaching the Gladiators 33.

But with seconds remaining, Nick Foxley intercepted the home quarterback to end the threat and preserve the nine-point lead going in to half-time.

The Cheetahs leapt into action at the start of the third quarter, taking just five plays to open their touchdown account, through a 19-yard run.

However, the Gladiators hit right back though Jackson's first of the day, a 19-yard scamper.

Anderson found his kicking boots and slotted the point after to open a ten-point lead at 19-9.

Cheetahs hit back immediately, returning the kickoff 56 yards to the Colchester 24.

Five plays later they ran in from three yards for six points and the extra point cut the Gladiators' lead to 19-16.

After a fumble, the Gladiators were faced with a third and 18 situation but Bourke's perfect pass down the far sideline found Jackson.

He hauled it in for a 42-yard gain and a first down before finishing the drive with a three-yard scoring run and Anderson succeeded in restoring the ten- point lead.

Jackson scored his third soon after, stopping a fourth down play short of the marker, with a one-yard run.

A sack on the Herts QB by Jones forced another turnover on downs and Jackson capped his impressive day with a 39-yard run before Anderson's kick wrapped up victory.

The Gladiators travel to Thetford to tackle the table-topping Bury Saints, on Sunday.