Chris Porter scored twice as Colchester United turn their fortunes around and beat Blackpool 3-2 this afternoon.

The U's were drawing 1-1 at the break to the Seasiders, following a disappointing first-half display.

But Tarique Fosu's arrival as a second-half substitute for Lewis Kinsella gave Colchester momentum and Porter scored twice in the second half, to pave the way for their victory.

U's boss John McGreal opted to keep an unchanged side for the visit of Blackpool.

He stuck with the same team that lost 3-2 at home to Exeter City, last weekend.

New loanees Tarique Fosu and Glen Kamara were both among the substitutes as was midfielder Craig Slater, following his return from international duty with Scotland under-21s.

Sammie Szmodics went close in the opening stages with an effort that flashed just wide.

But Blackpool were largely the better side in the first half and went ahead in the 13th-minute through Armand Gnanduillet, who benefited from Kyle Vassell’s pass and held off Tom Eastman in the area before firing home.

Colchester almost went further behind just before the half hour when Brad Potts went close with a low effort from the edge of the area.

But Szmodics got the U's back on level terms nine minutes before half-time, with his third goal in as many games.

The U's attacked showed good composure in the area to collect Richard Brindley's pass and lift a shot high into the net from close range.

Colchester made a change at half-time, bringing on Fosu for Lewis Kinsella and moving Brennan Dickenson to left-back.

They started the second half well, with Drey Wright's deflected effort sailing just over and Kurtis Guthrie heading inches wide from Wright's deep cross at the far post.

Guthrie's header was then tipped over by Blackpool keeper Sam Slocombe before Colchester went ahead just before the hour through Chris Porter, who flicked home from two yards after Fosu had helped on Brennan Dickenson’s corner at the near post.

U's keeper Sam Walker denied Potts while seconds later at the other end, Slocombe foiled the lively Fosu as Colchester tried to score a third goal and make the game safe.

Porter made it 3-1 when he showed fine control in the area from Fosu's pass, before slotting accurately home with a fine low shot.

Potts' low free-kick made it 3-2 and a nervy finish for Colchester, in the closing stages.

However, Blackpool defender Andy Taylor appeared to handle in the area late on, before the U's clinched victory.

For five pages of coverage of the U's game with Blackpool, see Monday's Daily Gazette.