Colchester ended their 10-game winless run in League Two with a 2-0 home victory over Gillingham.

Jack Payne's penalty just after the hour mark was added to by Harry Anderson to give United a first league win since August that moved them out of the relegation zone.

Colchester's Jay Williams and Teddy Bishop both went close early on, while at the other end goalkeeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala did well to foil Sheldon Kendall.

Colchester almost went ahead just before half-time when Anderson's low strike was pushed away by Gills keeper Ollie Wright.

Lo-Tutala saved Harry Waldock's drive early in the second half before Colchester went ahead in the 61st minute when Payne scored from the spot after being fouled by James Brophy in the area.

Colchester chased a second and Payne's low strike was saved well by Wright after he had been released by Moses Sesay.

The second came in the 72nd minute when Anderson tucked home inside the six-yard box after Jack Tucker's initial effort had fallen nicely into his path.