Crewe ran out winners thanks to goals from Michael O'Connor and Tom Pope.

The home side took the lead when Colchester keeper Dean Gerken misjudged the flight of O'Connor's free-kick and the ball nestled into the net.

Pope came on as substitute and made an impact within three minutes when he headed in firmly.

Colchester's Anthony Wordsworth had two shots saved by Steve Collis before Steve Gillespie was sent off for a two-footed tackle on Danny Woodards

Crewe:
Collis, Woodards, O'Donnell, Baudet, Jones, Moore, O'Connor, Bailey, Grant (Carrington 76), Elding (Pope 67), Zola.
Subs Not Used: Miller, Donaldson, Abbey.

Goals: O'Connor 46, Pope 69.

Sent Off: Gillespie (87).

Booked: Ifil, Heath, Platt, Hammond.

Att: 3,510

Ref: Iain Williamson (Berkshire).