Colchester United head coach John McGreal was full of praise for his players after they thrashed Crewe Alexandra 4-0 to record back-to-back wins in League Two.

Goals from Kurtis Guthrie, Owen Garvan, Drey Wright and Brennan Dickenson gave the U's a big win at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, their first home victory since September.

McGreal said: “It was a really, really convincing win but also a really, really great performance.

“It’s nice to win at home and it’s about both boxes.

“That’s where the money is – you defend it and you score your goals, you get your rewards.

“We got into the final third countless times, especially in the first half when some of the play was exceptional and we put away our chances.

“We needed to put on a performance after the last game here against Leyton Orient where we let ourselves down and I thought we did that from minute one through to the 90.

“The last two games have worked out really well for us but we have still have a ton of work to do.

“We have a little bit of a break now and the boys will need it, because they’ve put in a hell of a shift in addition to two long journeys.”

McGreal had special praise for midfielder Garvan, who capped his first home performance of the season with a goal and an assist, to cap an impressive display.

"Owen was terrific and we've been waiting for him to come back," said McGreal.

"He showed that composure and it was a terrific all-round performance.

"He thoroughly deserved his man of the match, although there were a few others pushing for it."