Gillingham were left to rue a series of missed chances as Matt Heath's early strike proved decisive for Colchester.

Mark McCammon had already missed when clean through for the Gills when Heath struck, the summer signing from Leeds heading home from an inswinging corner.

Simeon Jackson almost equalised moments later, but his shot from distance was well parried by Dean Gerken.

Adam Miller went close with a free-kick and Jackson had two late chances, but Colchester's defence held out.

Gillingham: Julian, Fuller, Richards, King, Nutter, Southall (Berry 63), Crofts, Bentley, Miller (Oli 63), Jackson, McCammon (Mulligan 63).
Subs Not Used: Kiely, Lewis, Clohessy, Mills.

Booked: Fuller.

Colchester: Gerken, White, Reid, Heath, Ifil, Yeates (Elito 71), Hammond, Izzet, Wordsworth, Platt, Vernon.
Subs Not Used: Lockwood, Jackson, Coyne, Wasiu, Cousins, Batchelor.

Booked: Reid, Heath.

Goals: Heath 11.

Att: 2,566.

Ref: Phil Crossley (Kent).