COLCHESTER United came from behind to win 2-1 at Harrogate Town this afternoon to record back-to-back wins and further boost their League Two survival hopes.

The U's claimed three points at the EnviroVent Stadium, after goals from Freddie Sears and Noah Chilvers cancelled out Jack Muldoon's fourth-minute strike for the hosts.

It was a fine away victory for Wayne Brown's side, who gave their chances of staying up another big boost.

Colchester made two changes to their starting line-up for their game with Harrogate.

Tom Eastman and Junior Tchamadeu were both handed starting spots, in place of John Akinde, who dropped to the bench and defender Tom Dallison, who missed out with a groin injury.

Colchester conceded after less than a minute at Harrogate last season - and the hosts made it similarly electric start this time around.

The U’s almost fell behind after 90 seconds.

Jack Diamond sent Calum Kavanagh through on goal, behind the visitors’ defence.

But the Harrogate forward chose to try and pick out Luke Armstrong in the area with only Shamal George to beat and the chance went begging.

It was a let-off for Colchester but they did not heed the warning as Harrogate struck in the fourth minute.

Jack Muldoon slotted home from close range after being picked out by Armstrong's low pass, as the U's defence was carved open too easily again.

Colchester’s players looked stunned in the opening stages, unable to deal with the home side’s confident approach play.

Harrogate were quicker and sharper in the opening stages, opening up the U’s defence with ease.

Alex Pattison drove down the left and cut inside the area before unleashing a shot that George saved at his near post, as the hosts hunted for more goals.

And in the 17th minute, Kavanagh was sent through by Pattison's pass but Cameron Coxe did well to block his effort and then eventually concede a corner.

But Colchester slowly got themselves into the game.

And they were back on level terms in the 21st minute through leading goalscorer Sears, who finished superbly past goalkeeper Mark Oxley after Chilvers' pass had split the Harrogate defence.

It was Sears’ first goal since scoring at Leyton Orient on February 5, ending an 11-match run without finding the net and was also the striker’s 50th goal for Colchester.

Buoyed by the goal, the U’s were on top for the remainder of the half.

Sears almost got a second when he allowed the ball drop on the edge of the area before trying his luck with a shot that Oxley tipped over for a corner.

And Colchester were ahead in the 45th minute through Chilvers, who converted from close range from Sears' pass in the area after the impressive Cole Skuse had set up the attack with a fine pass.

There was still time for Chilvers to come a whisker away from scoring again in the fourth minute of time added on in the first half with a first-time effort from the edge of the area that flashed inches past the post.

Harrogate started the second half as they had the first - in strong fashion.

The hosts almost equalised two minutes after the interval when George made a fine save to deny Ryan Fallowfield from close range.

Colchester made their first change midway through the second half, sending on Alan Judge for Tchamadeu.

But Harrogate almost equalised with 18 minutes remaining when George Thomson's excellent effort from the edge of the area met with a superb reflex save by George, who pushed the ball over for a corner.

Colchester still looked dangerous on the counter attack though.

Sears floated an effort over the bar after a good build-up with 15 minutes remaining and Hannant saw his near-post effort saved by Oxley, as the clock ticked down.

But although another goal did not materialise for the U's, in the end it did not matter as they claimed an away win.

MATCH STATS: COLCHESTER UNITED: George, Coxe, Chambers, Eastman, Kenlock, Skuse (sub Welch-Hayes, 84), Wiredu, Chilvers, Tchamadeu (sub Judge, 68), Hannant, Sears.

Subs (not used): Huws, Andrews, Wright, Akinde, Hornby.

U’s man of the match: Noah Chilvers.

Harrogate Town: Oxley, Fallowfield, Smith, Burrell, Thomson, Kavanagh (sub Power, 68), Sheron, Pattison, Muldoon (sub Ilesanmi, 82), Diamond, Armstrong.

Subs (not used): Kerry, Austerfield, McArdle, Cracknell.

Referee: Simon Mather.

Bookings: Colchester: Tchamadeu (foul, 21), Chilvers (unsporting behaviour, 53), Coxe (unsporting behaviour, 78).

Sending off: None.

Goals: Colchester: Sears (21), Chilvers (45). Harrogate: Muldoon (4).

Attendance: 1,816 (347 U's fans).