Colchester United ran out 3-1 winners over Exeter City, on Saturday afternoon.

Sammie Szmodics' brace and a Troy Archibald-Henville own goal helped seal the U's all three points at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, with Jayden Stockley's second-half strike proving only a consolation for the visitors.

The result sees Colchester move level on points with seventh-placed Coventry City and John McGreal’s men travel to play fellow promotion hopefuls Swindon Town, next Friday.

Here, Colchester United reporter Jonathan Waldron rates the players following their impressive win over the Grecians.

SAM WALKER 7

U’s keeper made saves at vital times in both halves to deny Taylor and Boateng.

TOM EASTMAN 8

Another solid display by the reliable U’s centre-back; little got past him.

RYAN INNISS 8

Was having another near-faultless game until being forced off by a shoulder injury.

FRANKIE KENT 8

Was dominant in the air and helped to keep Reid and Boateng relatively quiet. Booked.

RYAN JACKSON 7

Full of running once again for the U’s; moved into the back three when Inniss went off.

BRANDON COMLEY 8

Stepped things up in the second half with a dominant display in central midfield.

TOM LAPSLIE 7

U’s skipper produced another industrious display in central midfield.

KANE VINCENT-YOUNG 8

Impressed at left wing-back; played his part in earning the U’s penalty that Szmodics’ slotted home.

DREY WRIGHT 8

In-form attacker caused Exeter plenty of problems with his direct running and pace.

SAMMIE SZMODICS 9

U’s man-of-the-match. Scored twice but could easily have had a hat-trick. Booked.

MIKAEL MANDRON 7

Produced another hard-working display and was the perfect foil for Szmodics.

SUBSTITUTES

SEAN MURRAY (for Inniss, 54) 7

Was unlucky not to score with a late free-kick after returning after injury.

SANMI ODELUSI (for Szmodics, 89) 6

Helped Colchester seal their victory after replacing Szmodics in the closing stages.

SUBSTITUTES (NOT USED): Kinsella, Slater, Reid, Hanlan, Gilmartin.