DANNY Cowley secured his first win as Colchester United head coach after they claimed an impressive 1-0 victory at Morecambe this afternoon.

Arthur Read's magnificent first-half free-kick proved enough to seal all three points for the U's at the Mazuma Stadium, as the Cowleys continued their impressive start to their reign in charge at the JobServe Community Stadium.

It was a gutsy performance by Colchester, who battled hard for their first victory since December 22 and had goalkeeper Owen Goodman to thank after he saved a Gerard Garner penalty, just after half-time.

Colchester boss Danny Cowley made three changes to his starting line-up.

New signings Riley Harbottle and Alistair Smith were handed their debut, while Ellis Iandolo returned after injury.

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Harry Anderson, signed on loan from Stevenage on Friday, was on the bench for Colchester.

It was a quiet opening to the game, with chances at a premium for both teams.

Colchester took a little time to get into the contest but they gradually began to put their stamp on proceedings and went ahead in magnificent fashion, in the 27th minute.

The U’s were awarded a free-kick 25 yards out and Arthur Read curled a delightful shot past goalkeeper Archie Mair and into the top corner.

With Smith and Harbottle included, Colchester looked a more physical proposition, as they dealt with Morecambe’s threat.

And the U’s looked dangerous in attack, with Jayden Fevrier giving Morecambe right-back Kayden Harrack plenty to think about as the visitors pressed for a second.

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Colchester went in at the break ahead but they were almost brought back on level terms, two minutes after the interval.

Harbottle was adjudged to have brought down Jake Taylor in the box but Owen Goodman pulled off a fine save from Gerard Garner’s penalty, to preserve his side’s lead.

Buoyed by the reprieve, Colchester went in search of a second goal to give themselves some breathing space.

Substitute Connor Wilkinson drilled a low shot wide from the edge of the box after Smith had done well to pick him out, midway through the second half.

There was a flashpoint with 15 minutes remaining when Morecambe skipper Farrend Rawson left Cameron McGeehan prostrate and with blood pouring from his head and in need of treatment.

Rawson was booked and McGeehan eventually came back on with a bandage around his head, as the U's tried to see out victory.

Jacob Bedeau headed a great chance wide at the far post for Morecambe in the closing stages and despite eight minutes of time being added on at the end, the U's claimed a fine away win.

MATCH FACTS: COLCHESTER UNITED: Goodman, Richardson, Harbottle (sub Dallison, 71), Hall, Iandolo, Read, Smith, McGeehan (sub Jay, 88), Fevrier (sub Anderson, 71), Chilvers (sub Wilkinson, 62), Hopper (sub Akinde, 88).

Subs (not used): Edwards, Hornby.

Morecambe: Mair, Bedeau, Rawson, Songo'o (sub Tutonda, 60), Adams (sub Smith, 84), Stokes, Taylor, Brown, Harrack (sub Melbourne, 60), Garner (sub Fox-Akande, 84), Slew (sub Barker, 60).

Subs (not used): Smith, Threlkeld.

Goals: Colchester: Read (27).

Bookings: Morecambe: Harrack (foul, 25), Rawson (foul, 75), Bedeau (foul, 90). Colchester: Wilkinson (unsporting behaviour, 75), Dallison (foul, 79).

Referee: Daniel Middleton.

Attendance: 3,383 (180 U's fans).