COLCHESTER United boss Tony Humes praised his side for a “terrific, solid team performance” after watching them win 1-0 at Oldham Athletic.

Sammie Szmodics scored their only goal after just two minutes, pouncing from close range after a right-wing cross was headed back across the danger zone.

It gave their survival hopes a major boost at the end of a difficult week which has seem them lose to both Crewe and Sheffield United.

“It was a terrific, solid team performance,” said Humes.

“We were very patient, confident and composed in what we did.

“We’ve had a lot of games recently where we’ve started well, created opportunities and not taken them.

“Today we got that early goal.

“Sammie gambled and it was a great, composed finish which gave us something to hang on to.

"He's always had that knack of scoring goals and let’s hope he gets on a run and continues with that.

“Oldham didn’t threaten that much.

“They had shots from outside the area but we were very organised as a team and they didn’t have enough to break us down.

“That’s the consistency we’re looking for week in and week out.”

Szmodics’ goal was a dream start for the U’s, battling to climb away from the League One drop zone.

And overall they were good value for it – solid, well-organised and hard-working throughout.

Tom Eastman had a first-half shot blocked and then, after the break, both Gavin Massey and Matthew Briggs saw efforts well-saved by Latics goalkeeper Jake Kean.

Oldham were much better in the second period and there were scares for the U’s.

Jacob Mellis sliced wide from a good position and then the same player forced an excellent diving save from Colchester goalkeeper Sam Walker.

Walker came to his side’s rescue again nine minutes from time, getting down low to smother an effort from Liam Kelly.

Oldham then had a stoppage time goal ruled out for offside.

But Colchester held on for a very precious, timely victory that will do their chances of avoiding relegation the power of good.

For full coverage of the match, including pictures and reaction, see Monday’s Gazette.