Colchester United 2 : 0 Leyton Orient - Massey sets U's on their way

Colchester secured a precious 2-0 victory over fellow strugglers Leyton Orient to boost their Sky Bet League One survival hopes.

Colchester debutant Chris Porter was foiled by Orient goalkeeper Gary Woods early on before the home side went ahead in the 14th minute through Gavin Massey, who emphatically swept home from close range after Porter had headed on Sean Clohessy's cross.

Orient debutant Ryan Hedges' curling effort sailed over the crossbar and David Mooney dragged a great chance wide of the far post as the visitors finished the half strongly.

But Colchester made it 2-0 three minutes after half-time when Kaspars Gorkss rose to plant a fine header beyond Woods from David Fox's corner.

Orient kept pushing and Chris Dagnall had the ball in the net with a header, only for it to be ruled out for offside.

Colchester's Elliott Hewitt was shown a straight red card for a foul on Romain Vincelot with six minutes remaining and U's goalkeeper Sam Walker pushed away John Lundstram's low effort late on as the hosts claimed a precious victory.