Colchester United recorded back to back wins in League Two thanks to a 2-1 win over Hartlepool United this afternoon.

But their victory was tarnished by what looked like a serious injury to leading scorer Kurtis Guthrie, who was stretched off in the closing stages of the U's victory.

Goals from Guthrie and Chris Porter put Colchester in charge in the second half.

And although Nathan Thomas pulled a goal back for the hosts soon after, the U's held on to consolidate their place in the play-off places.

Colchester head coach John McGreal named an unchanged side for the visit of Hartlepool.

That meant a second successive start for teenage defender Cameron James but midfielder Craig Slater was deemed not fit enough to feature with a groin injury, despite being named in the U’s squad.

Colchester were the better side in a goal-less first half and Pools hardly threatened Sam Walker in the U's goal.

Hartlepool keeper Joe Fryer denied Brennan Dickenson early on, after Sean Murray’s goalbound shot had been blocked.

Dickenson, who was lively throughout the opening period, went close again midway through the first half when got the better of Pools' Brad Walker on the byline and cut inside before shooting straight at Fryer.

Colchester striker Chris Porter had an effort ruled out for offside after converting Richard Brindley's low cross, as the home side pushed for an opener.

The lively Murray’s deflected shot flew just over while George Elokobi came agonisingly close to converting at the far post after Murray had helped on Owen Garvan’s corner, as Colchester went in at the break on level terms.

Hartlepool were rarely seen as an attacking force in the first half but they made a bright start after half-time and Padraig Amond could only steer Walker’s teasing cross over from close range, just after the break.

But Colchester made the breakthrough they were looking for just after the hour mark through Guthrie, who headed in at the near post following Richard Brindley's cross amid a great U's move.

Porter headed over from Garvan's corner soon after, before the U's skipper steered wide with 17 minutes remaining from close range after the impressive Murray had won back possession well and picked him out in the area.

But Colchester doubled their lead with 11 minutes remaining through Porter, who slammed home from the spot after Guthrie had been fouled by Liam Donnelly in the area.

However, Pools were back in it four minutes later through Thomas, who burst into the area and planted a low shot past keeper Walker.

Guthrie was then stretchered off but despite some pressure from the visitors, Colchester held on for three precious points.