Sammie Szmodics' goals helped Colchester United beat promotion-chasing Exeter City 3-1 and close ground on the League Two play-off places.

Szmodics netted twice in quick succession against the Grecians at the Weston Homes Community Stadium and also had a hand in his side's opener, after his effort flew in off defender Troy Archibald-Henville.

It was an impressive win and performance from Colchester, who will be buoyed after beating one of the division’s leading sides to draw level with the play-off places in League Two.

Colchester head coach John McGreal stuck with the same side that lost 2-1 at Notts County in their last game in League Two.

However, there was a change on the bench with Sean Murray back from a knee injury to take his place among the substitutes and replacing Cameron James on the bench.

Colchester started well and almost scored in the first minute when Jake Taylor’s interception from Drey Wright’s ball into the area looped inches over the bar for a corner.

Tom Eastman’s tame header from a corner fell straight at keeper Christy Pym from close range and Szmodics fired a low shot straight at Pym after Wright’s run from inside his own half, as the U’s pressed for an opener.

Exeter threatened from time to time, with Reuben Reid firing wide from a tight angle after Taylor had sent him free in the area and Colchester keeper Sam Walker made a good diving save to his right to parry away Taylor’s effort.

But Colchester took a 21st-minute lead when Szmodics made good progress in the area and drilled in a low shot that flew in off Exeter defender Troy Archibald-Henville.

And the U’s went 2-0 up five minutes later when Szmodics scored from the spot, after Kane Vincent-Young had been fouled by Taylor in the area.

Things got even better for Szmodics and Colchester on the half hour when the forward’s superb shot into the top corner of the net from inside the area, after Frankie Kent had missed his kick in the area.

And it was almost 4-0 four minutes before half-time when the man of the moment Szmodics saw a fine curled effort from 20 yards smack against the outside of the post and come back out, as the hosts went in at half-time 3-0 up.

Colchester were forced to make a change early in the second half when Murray replaced the injured Inniss and the home side reverted to four at the back as a result.

And Exeter gave themselves a lifeline just after the hour mark when substitute Jayden Stockley stooped to nod home from close range after Hiran Boateng's corner had picked him out in the six-yard box.

Taylor fired a good chance over the bar for the Grecians soon after that after Walker made a good save to deny Boateng from close range.

But with 19 minutes remaining, Szmodics fired over with only Pym to beat after Mikael Mandron’s run and pass had set him up.

Murray almost made it 4-1 as the clock ticked down when his low free-kick was parried away by keeper Pym, as Colchester claimed a notable win.