Colchester United eased themselves to almost certain Second Division safety with a convincing 3-1 win over fellow strugglers Luton Town at Layer Road.

The U's had already beaten the Hatters 3-0 at Kenilworth Road earlier in the season and two-goal hero Mick Stockwell took just 17 minutes to put them on the road to victory again.

Stockwell superbly finished off a Keith Scott knock-down and added a second goal 20 minutes later with another sizzling finish, this time from a Scott McGleish flick-on.

Former Luton midfielder Aaron Skelton stretched the lead to 3-0 from the penalty spot four minutes before half-time after Finnish international Petri Helin handled in the area.

The visitors scored a late consolation goal via a Steve Howard 88th minute spot-kick after ex-Luton defender Alan White was harshly adjudged to have handled a Liam George cross.

The game also marked the Football League debut for Colchester's transfer deadline day loan signing Kemal Izzet from Charlton.

Kemal replaced injured defender Joe Keith who limped out of the game after just 30 minutes.

Full story and pictures in today's Evening Gazette

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