Tranmere’s League Two survival hopes took a massive blow as Colchester claimed a 1-0 win at Prenton Park.

Jack Payne's 75th-minute strike ended a run of five games without a win for United and inflicted a fourth straight defeat on struggling Rovers, who are now 10 matches without victory.

The visitors almost opened the scoring in the fifth minute, Payne flashing his shot across the face of goal from a narrow angle.

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At the other end, Omari Patrick had the best chance for the home side just before the interval but was thwarted by Matt Macey in the United goal.

Rovers started brightly after the break as Joe Ironside saw his effort tipped over by a stretching Macey as it looked to be dipping under the crossbar.

Colchester looked dangerous on the break and could have been ahead themselves, only for Arthur Read's effort to come back off the post with Marko Marosi beaten.

But with 15 minutes remaining, it was Colchester who eventually broke the deadlock, Payne latching onto an Owura Edwards cross to side-foot home from 10 yards and secure the points.

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