Colchester United moved up to third in League Two with a 1-0 win over Swindon Town, on Saturday afternoon.

Sammie Szmodics' strike just before half-time sealed all three points at the JobServe Community Stadium and clinched them a seventh home league win of the season.

The result sees Colchester move into the top three in the League Two table prior to a break from league action with the FA Cup trip to play Accrington Stanley, next weekend.

Here, Colchester United reporter Jonathan Waldron rates the players after their 1-0 triumph over the Robins.

RENE GILMARTIN 8

Pulled off a superb second-half save to deny Smith and showed authority throughout.

RYAN JACKSON 8

Maintained his excellent form this season with another fine display at right-back.

FRANKIE KENT 8

Got over a slightly nervy start to produce an impressive performance alongside Prosser.

LUKE PROSSER 8

Was dominant in the air and looked assured on his 50th U’s appearance. Booked.

KANE VINCENT-YOUNG 8

Continued his fine recent form with another highly athletic performance from left-back.

HARRY PELL 8

Played his part in the winner by picking out Nouble; went close with a long-range strike. Booked.

TOM LAPSLIE 8

Never stopped working throughout the 90 minutes and was the heartbeat of the U’s side again.

FRANK NOUBLE 8

U’s man of the match. Did brilliantly to set up Szmodics for his goal and adjusted effortlessly to positional change.

SAMMIE SZMODICS 8

Took his goal extremely well and matched his quality on the ball with his hard work off it.

COURTNEY SENIOR 8

Produced plenty of tricks and skill to entertain the crowd and help his side claim a narrow win.

LUKE NORRIS 7

Went close with a header before being stretchered off late in the first half with an ankle injury.

SUBSTITUTES

BRENNAN DICKENSON (for Norris, 45) 7

Slotted in well on the left wing and played his part in the U’s win.

BRANDON COMLEY (for Senior, 76)

Helped Colchester see out victory in the final stages of a tight contest.

MIKAEL MANDRON (for Szmodics, 90)

SUBSTITUTES (NOT USED): Eastman, Wright, Collins, Barnes.