Five second-half goals eased Coventry's relegation fears as they comfortably beat already-relegated Colchester.

Scott Vernon fired home from six yards to put the U's in front, but Leon Best's long range effort drew the visitors level just after half-time.

Daniel Fox curled in to put the Sky Blues ahead before Elliot Ward scored from the penalty spot.

Michael Doyle tapped in two minutes later and Ward converted his second spot-kick late on to complete the rout.

Colchester boss Geraint Williams:

"It's been the story of our season. We had three one-on-ones and numerous chances but we conceded five goals from them not having the chances.

"The second half started with us conceding a comedy goal and it didn't get any better after that.

"Our defending in the second half was woeful and defensively we were very, very inept."

Coventry manager Chris Coleman:

"It was what we needed and it was what we deserved. We started very well and I felt the goal we conceded was offside.

"But we kept going and we came out and had a great start to the second half. The confidence went up after that and it was a great win.

"It is a big day for us but to be fair, the players were calm and we knew we had to be on the ball."

Colchester: Gerken, Ifil, Coyne, Balogh, White (Kevin McLeod 71), Duguid, Hammond, Jackson, Elito, Lisbie, Vernon.
Subs Not Used: Bankole, Platt, Izzet, Virgo.

Booked: Coyne.

Goals: Vernon 17.

Coventry: Schmeichel, Fox, Ward, Dann, Osbourne (Hall 90), Doyle, Michael Hughes, Stephen Hughes, Mifsud, Best (Hines 87), Tabb.
Subs Not Used: Marshall, Gray, Thornton.

Booked: Best, Doyle.

Goals: Best 48, Fox 51, Ward 78 pen, Doyle 80, Ward 90 pen.

Att: 5,836

Ref: Colin Webster (Tyne & Wear).