Colchester United secured a 1-0 win at Barnet, on Saturday afternoon.

A superb late goal from Sammie Szmodics gave the U's all three points at the Hive to lift them to within two points of the play-off places, in League Two.

The result sees Colchester extend their unbeaten league away run to five matches and John McGreal’s men host Morecambe, next weekend.

Here, Colchester United reporter Jonathan Waldron rates the players following a pleasing 1-0 win on the road:

SAM WALKER 7

Showed safe hands early on to deny Watson and Taylor and help U’s keep a clean sheet.

TOM EASTMAN 8

Showed good distribution throughout and was calm and assured in possession.

RYAN INNISS 9

U’s man of the match – was superb in the air and saw off the threat of Akinde.

FRANKIE KENT 8

U’s skipper won the bulk of his header and played his part in the U’s clean sheet.

RYAN JACKSON 8

Went close with a low shot early on and was heavily involved throughout.

BRANDON COMLEY 7

Scrapped away well in a congested midfield and was assured in possession. Booked.

DOUG LOFT 8

Showed his experience and authority throughout and looked assured in midfield. Booked.

KANE VINCENT-YOUNG 7

Made a solid return to league action at left wing-back with a committed display.

DREY WRIGHT 7

Saw little of the ball in the first half but was more influential after the break.

BRANDON HANLAN 7

Worked hard for the team but did not have as much impact as usual up front.

MIKAEL MANDRON 7

Worked very hard with little support and looked after the ball well when he had it.

SUBSTITUTES

SAMMIE SZMODICS (for Hanlan, 72) 8

Scored a magnificent winner having earlier been denied by Stephens just after coming on.

SANMI ODELUSI (for Wright, 82) 7

Provided a threat to the tiring Barnet defence in the closing stages after coming on.

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