MAGNIFICENT.

That was the word Colchester United boss Joe Dunne used to describe his side's second-half performance at Stevenage.

The U's eased their relegation fears with a priceless 3-2 victory in today's vital game at the bottom of League One.

Freddie Sears scored twice, either side of one from Jabo Ibehre, after Michael Doughty’s early opener for basement boys Stevenage.

Luke Freeman pulled one back but it was too little, too late from the hosts, who had Filipe Morais sent off in the last few seconds for shoving the ball at Alex Wynter.

“It was a big game and I thought we were very good in the second half. We were magnificent,” said Dunne, whose side had lost their previous four League One matches.

“The first half was scrappy and edgy, but we started to get the ball down and play after the break.

“We could have won by more and I have to pay great credit to my players.

“We spoke at half-time about being a bit more composed on the ball.

“We made a couple of tweaks to our midfield and it worked exceptionally well.

“We were first to everything, especially in the second half, and quick to close down.

“That was the key and we sensed the third goal was coming.

“We were camped in their final third and every time we broke forward it looked like we were going to score.

“It was a big game and, at this stage of the season, an important win.

“However, there are still more matches to go and my job now is to make sure we win next week, too.”