Steven Gillespie scored against his old club as in-form Colchester claimed a 3-1 victory over Cheltenham.

Us too strong for Robins

Steven Gillespie scored against his old club as in-form Colchester claimed a 3-1 victory over Cheltenham. Cheltenham goalkeeper Scott Brown denied both Mark Yeates and Scott Vernon in the first half and the Robins hardly threatened before half-time. But Cheltenham were surprisingly ahead in the 56th minute through defender Chris Westwood, who nodded in Ian Westlake's corner from close range. But United were only behind for six minutes, as skipper Dean Hammond ghosted in to head Yeates' free-kick past Brown. Colchester piled on the pressure and their task was made easier after Robins substitute John Finnigan was dismissed after picking up two cautions, little more than six minutes after coming on. Former Liverpool striker Gillespie then headed the U's in front in the 77th minute before Yeates rounded off victory with a low shot two minutes from time following substitute Lewis Gobern's assist.