A First class finish.

That was how Colchester United manager Paul Lambert described Clive Platt’s winning goal for his side at Oldham Athletic.

Platt superbly volleyed in inside two minutes at Boundary Park, profiting from Reuben Hazell’s error to fire in his sixth goal of the season and ensure a 1-0 victory for the impressive U's.

Lambert said: “It was a great finish and I thought Platt was terrific.

“The goal was first class.”

Platt was partnered in attack by Steven Gillespie, who made his first U’s start since January.

The pair formed an effective partnership against the Latics and Gillespie came close to adding to Colchester’s margin of victory when he hit the post, in the closing stages of the first half.

Boss Lambert has been without Gillespie for long periods since he took over as U’s manager last October because of injury but was pleased with the performance of the club’s record signing.

“I thought Gillespie was terrific,” said Lambert.

“He offers us something different and I’ve not had the privilege of having him for a length of time.

“He came off with a little bit of cramp and he’s not played for a while but he showed me in an hour what he is capable of.

“He’s been on the bench for a few weeks and he had to start sometime.”