Two goals in the space of five first-half minutes helped Colchester to a 2-1 victory over Brighton.

Us' promotion push shows no sign of slowing down

Two goals in the space of five first-half minutes from Phil Ifil and Anthony Wordsworth sank Brighton 2-1 and took Colchester up to third in League One with their fourth win in five games. Midfielder Ifil broke the deadlock after nine minutes with a fierce shot from 25 yards before later turning provider by crossing for Wordworth to head in from six yards. Striker Kevin Lisbie put an overhead kick against the crossbar for Colchester before midfielder Gary Dicker reduced the deficit two minutes before the break by heading in a deflected cross from Nicky Forster. Brighton pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half but impressive keeper Ben Williams pulled off a string of important saves to give Colchester a hard-earned victory. A third successive home league defeat leaves Gus Poyet's Seagulls in the relegation zone.