COLCHESTER United beat Grimsby Town 2-0 to give their League Two survival hopes a huge lift, on Tuesday night.

Goals from Tom Hopper and John Akinde secured the U's a vital victory at the JobServe Community Stadium, leaving them four points above the relegation zone and a game in hand over rivals Sutton United.

Here are the Gazette player ratings, following a second successive victory for Danny Cowley's side.

SAM HORNBY 8

Made a brilliant save late on to deny Wood and played his part in helping Colchester keep clean sheet. Booked

JAY MINGI 8

Another fine performance; made a fine block to deny Obikwu what looked a certain goal at point blank range

Gazette:

CONNOR HALL 8

Put in a captain’s performance to help his side keep a rare clean sheet. Was dominant in the air

TOM DALLISON 7

Played really well and made some vital blocks in the area but was sent off near the end

ELLIS IANDOLO 8

Had a big impact on the left side of the U’s defence and looked assured throughout. Booked

Gazette:

ARTHUR READ 8

Provided the excellent assist for Hopper’s goal and put in another impressive midfield display

ALISTAIR SMITH 7

Performed well in the early stages and battled on after early ankle injury before going off at half-time

Gazette:

JAYDEN FEVRIER 8

Gave the Grimsby defence multiple problems and had a goalbound effort cleared off the line

CAMERON MCGEEHAN 7

Went close with a good first-half effort and kept trying to drive his team on until the end

TOM HOPPER 8

Took his goal brilliantly and was an impressive performance at both ends of the pitch

Gazette:

JOHN AKINDE 8

U’s man of the match. Capped an excellent display with a superb goal on his return to the side

SUBSTITUTES

NOAH CHILVERS (for Smith, 46) 7

Was effective in midfield after coming off the bench at half-time

RILEY HARBOTTLE (for Akinde, 82)

JAYDEN RICHARDSON (for Fevrier, 90)

Subs (not used): Wilkinson, Jay, Ihonvien, Goodman.