Colchester United ended a four-game losing run to beat fellow strugglers Yeovil Town 2-0 and give their survival hopes a boost.

Goals from David Fox and Jacob Murphy gave the U's victory in front of a crowd of 2,336, the lowest-ever league crowd at the Weston Homes Community Stadium since it opened in 2008.

Colchester make four changes to their starting line-up, with South Africa captain Bongani Khumalo handed his debut in central defence following his loan move from Tottenham Hotspur.

Dion Sembie-Ferris was also handed his first-ever senior start for the U’s, while Rhys Healey started for the first time since January and George Moncur was also recalled.

Sammie Szmodics and Karleigh Osborne were both ruled out through injury, while Gavin Massey and Chris Porter also dropped out.

Yeovil registered the first shot in anger just after the 20-minute mark when U’s goalkeeper Sam Walker made an excellent save to push away Gozie Ugwu’s low long-range effort and then prevented James Hayter scoring from the rebound.

Colchester responded seconds later with a long-range effort of their own, with Alex Gilbey’s low 30-yard effort deflected just wide for a corner.

Murphy, who was the U’s best player in the first half, went close with a fierce 25-yard effort that flashed just wide of the near post.

But despite their relatively promising build-up play, Colchester did not seriously trouble Yeovil keeper Scott Loach before half-time.

Indeed, Walker was the busier of the two custodians and the U’s defence often looked edgy when the ball went into their penalty area, as the first half finished goal-less.

However, Colchester needed just eight minutes after the interval to make a crucial breakthrough.

Murphy’s burst of pace in the area was too much for Yeovil defender Nathan Smith who brought him down and skipper Fox blasted home from the spot to give the U’s a crucial advantage.

Yeovil almost equalised seconds later when Ugwu’s low effort flashed inches wide of the far post.

But Colchester gave themselves some vital breathing space when Murphy raced onto Moncur’s pass and showed impressive composure to slot past the exposed Loach for his first Colchester goal.

Colchester were rarely troubled after and saw the game out for a vital win.

For a full match report, pictures and reaction to the U's game with Yeovil, see Wednesday's Daily Gazette.