John McGreal was delighted to see his Colchester United side end their Crawley Town hoodoo after they recorded an impressive 3-1 victory this afternoon.

First-half goals from Sammie Szmodics, Ryan Jackson and Mikael Mandron set the U's on their way, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

And although Jimmy Smith pulled a goal back for the Reds after half-time and Sam Walker saved Mark Randall's penalty, it was a deserved win for Colchester.

It was Colchester's first win over Crawley in ten attempts, leaving McGreal pleased.

McGreal said: "I was told this morning that they're a bit of a bogey side for us and that we'd never beaten them so it's another one in the box for the lads that we've ticked.

"It was a great three points.

“I’m delighted - I thought we were fantastic in the first half and we came out of the traps really well.

“There was some good fast, flowing football.

“We got a little bit nervy in the second half despite being three goals to the good but Sam (Walker) made a great penalty save and that just gave us that bounce again.

“We had good opportunities on the counter in the second half and it’s a learning experience.

“They came out with a different plan in the second half and really threw caution to the wind, leaving two at the back at times and five up front with a couple of lads in behind.

“There’s still tons for us to learn and we were a bit loose with our defending at times in the second half.

“The boys rode the storm at times but in the end, it was a justified three points.”