Colchester United are effectively safe after a magnificent 4-1 victory over already promoted Brentford.

The U's have not yet mathematically secured their League One status.

But their superb victory over the Bees means only a mathematical miracle can now prevent them from staying in the division, ahead of their final game of the season at Walsall next Saturday.

Jabo Ibehre wasted a good chance early on for Colchester when he fired wide when through on goal while David Button foiled Freddie Sears.

Colchester took a 25th-minute lead through Marcus Bean, who bundled in Brian Wilson’s free-kick under pressure from George Saville.

And Joe Dunne's side doubled their lead three minutes later when Alex Wynter powered home a fine header from Ryan Dickson’s corner.

When Sears scored from the spot to make it 3-0 four minutes before the break after Alan McCormack had fouled Sanchez Watt in the area.

Brentford pulled a goal back in first-half stoppage-time when Stuart Dallas lashed in from 20 yards from Donaldson’s lay-off.

However, Sears restored Colchester's three-goal cushion in the 64th-minute when he followed up to fire into an empty net, after James Tarkowski and Button had failed to deal with a long ball on the edge of their own area.

U's goalkeeper Sam Walker made a fine save to deny Alan Judge from the spot with 16 minutes remaining, as Joe Dunne's side claimed a memorable win.

For a full match report, pictures and reaction to Colchester's game with Brentford, see Monday's Daily Gazette.