Two goals in five first-half minutes from Sean Murray and Mikael Mandron secured Colchester United a 2-0 win over Mansfield Town and back-to-back victories in League Two.

The U's produced one of their best performances of the season so far to see off the promotion-chasing Stags, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

U’s head coach John McGreal stuck with the same side that had started their 1-0 win at Yeovil Town, last weekend.

Doug Loft shrugged off a hamstring injury in order to take his place in the side, while Kurtis Guthrie and Craig Slater were both among the substitutes as they continue to look for competitive action to boost their match fitness.

Defender Tom Eastman returned and was on the bench after shrugging off a hamstring injury.

Colchester started well and in the second minute, Mandron controlled Loft’s free-kick into the area before spinning and lifting a good chance over the bar.

The U’s went close again seven minutes later through Brandon Hanlan, who collected Ryan Jackson’s fine long pass and beat Krystian Pearce in the area before curling a shot wide of the far post.

But Mansfield were not without their early chances, as the contest started in open fashion.

Will Atkinson played a one-two with Johnny Hunt before sending a diving header just wide of the target and Alex MacDonald’s low shot was well dealt with by U’s keeper Sam Walker, who also made a good stop to foil Danny Rose’s fine snap shot.

But just after Kyel Reid had been denied by keeper Conrad Logan in the six-yard box after a good U’s passing move, Colchester took the lead just before the half hour.

After initially winning a free-kick 20 yards out, Murray slotted home a low shot after Reid had laid the set-piece off to him.

It was Murray’s second goal in as many games and he played a big part in Colchester doubling their lead, five minutes later.

The former Watford midfielder delivered a delightful ball into the area that was brilliantly glanced into the net at far post by Mandron, for 2-0.

The U’s went in at the break with a two-goal advantage but Mansfield had the better of the early exchanges, in the second half.

The Stags had a penalty appeal turned down when Rose tumbled under Ryan Jackson’s challenge in the area.

And Rose’s diving header from Alex MacDonald’s cross flew just over the bar, soon after.

McDonald then went close himself just after the hour after jinking his way towards the area before unleashing a powerful shot that Walker beat away well.

But with Mansfield pushing forward and leaving gaps at the back, Colchester almost extended their lead with 15 minutes remaining when Murray breached the visitors’ defence but was denied by the legs of Logan.

Murray sliced wide with only Logan to beat with five minutes remaining and Mansfield substitute Lee Angol wastefully fired straight at Walker in stoppage-time, but the U's had done enough for victory.