Bournemouth 1 Colchester 2SCOTT Vernon was crowned a Colchester United hero as he blasted home a second-half winner to bring the U's a step nearer to promotion to the Championship.

By Carl Marston

Bournemouth 1 Colchester 2

SCOTT Vernon was crowned a Colchester United hero as he blasted home a second-half winner to bring the U's a step nearer to promotion to the Championship.

Blackpool loanee Vernon pounced onto a terrific cross from Karl Duguid to fire an unstoppable half-volley past Cherries keeper Gareth Stewart.

That put the U's 2-1 up in the 51st minute, and Phil Parkinson's men held out to retain the second automatic promotion slot.

Liam Chilvers had given them the perfect start, by heading home Wayne Brown's fifth minute free-kick, only for Stephen Cooke to grab the equaliser with a fine solo goal just three minutes later.

However, the U's stuck to their task and Vernon obliged with the winning goal on what was only his second start for the Layer Road club.

United have two games left, at home to Rotherham and then at Yeovil on the final day of the season. Win both these and they will definitely be up.