Colchester United 2 - 3 Crewe Alexandra - Alex edge past Colchester

Crewe produced a fine second-half display to record a crucial 3-2 victory at fellow strugglers Colchester.

Chris Porter went close for Colchester early on while Jamie Ness' shot just missed the target for Crewe, soon after.

Colchester took the lead in first-half stoppage-time when Porter chested down Matthew Briggs' pass before lashing home from the edge of the area.

Crewe's Lauri Dalla Valle and James Jones both went close for Crewe, early in the second half.

And after Porter had fired into the side netting, the visitors equalised midway through the second half through Jones, who slotted home Dalla Valle's pass from close range after good work by Nicky Ajose.

Ajose put Crewe ahead five minutes later when he collected Anthony Grant's pass before shooting home.

And Grant made it 3-1 with nine minutes remaining, turning and planting a low shot past Sam Walker.

Substitute Jack Marriott pulled a goal back for Colchester with five minutes left after Alex Wynter had helped on a throw but Crewe held on.