Tony Humes was delighted with his side's second-half display after they ran out 3-0 winners at Crewe Alexandra at Gresty Road.

Goals from Freddie Sears, Rhys Healey and Sanchez Watt gave the U's their second win under Humes and helped them keep a fourth clean sheet in five games, moving them out of the bottom four in League One on goal difference.

Colchester had to be patient before taking control, following a nervy first half from both teams.

But their second-half display was impressive and Humes was pleased with what he saw from his players.

Humes said: “It was an absolutely fantastic result.

“We won the game 3-0 and it was a comprehensive victory on paper.

“It was a solid defensive player and we took our chances well.

“It was a tense first half and we didn’t get into our rhythm, in terms of moving the ball quickly.

“Crewe played a very narrow midfield and we were trying to play through central areas rather than using the width.

“Once we started using the width in the second half, we got rewards for it."

For five pages of coverage of the U's game with Crewe Alexandra, including a report, pictures, reaction and analysis, see Monday's Daily Gazette.