Colchester United moved up to third in Coca-Cola League One with a 2-1 victory at Brighton and Hove Albion tonight.

The U's raced into a two-goal lead inside 14 minutes at the Withdean Stadium, thanks to goals from Phil Ifil and Anthony Wordsworth.

And although Gary Dicker pulled a goal back just before the break for the Seagulls, Colchester held on for a vital three points.

The foundation of Colchester's victory over Bristol Rovers last weekend was laid in the shape of a solid start.

And the U's were out of the blocks against the Seagulls quicker than a sprinter at an Olympic final.

They were ahead in the ninth minute through Ifil, who drilled home an excellent low shot for his first goal in Colchester colours, after Clive Platt had chested down Magnus Okuonghae's long defensive clearance.

Things got even better for the U's, five minutes later.

Ifil did brilliantly to skip past a defender and advance into the area, before sending in a teasing cross for Wordsworth to head home from close range.

Had Lisbie's audacious overhead kick gone in and not hit the crossbar it might have been game over.

Elliott Bennett sent a shot just wide and Glenn Murray also went close for the home side, while at the other end, Wordsworth drove over from just inside the area.

U's keeper Ben Williams then made a brilliant one-hand save to foil Bennett's free-kick and John White headed Tommy Elphick's effort off the line, as Brighton pressed.

The Seagulls eventually pulled a goal back three minutes before half-time through Gary Dicker, who dived to head in from close range past Williams, following a deflected ball into the area.

Colchester played with a lone attacker for much of the second half, in a bid to keep the home side at bay.

But Brighton created the bulk of the chances after the break and the U's had keeper Williams to thank for keeping the hosts out, after he made a string of fine saves.

The former Manchester United trainee denied Murray, Bennett and Nicky Forster, while Murray also clipped the post with a deflected effort.

But despite coming under pressure in the closing stages Colchester held out to secure a third away league victory and chalk up a second successive win.

For a full match report, pictures and reaction to Colchester United's victory at Brighton and Hove Albion, see Monday's Gazette.