Colchester United 2 Chesterfield 1 Freddie Sears crashed home a spectacular late winner as Colchester United completed a fine comeback, against Chesterfield tonight.

Trailing to a goal by Sam Clucas, after just 61 seconds, the U’s rallied impressively in the second period to snatch all three points.

Super sub Rhys Healey started the recovery, with his 50th minute equaliser, to continue the U’s upturn in fortunes under new boss Tony Humes.

On as a substitute for the start of the second half, Healey pounced with the equaliser within five minutes of his introduction.

Cardiff City loanee Healey made it three goals in five appearances, ensuring that Humes has only tasted defeat twice in his first nine league games in charge.

But there was better to come, as Sears turned to last home a sensational winner in the 86th minute. His rocket shot flew into the roof of the net, an effort worthy of winning any game.

The U’s had suffered the worst possible start, falling behind after just 61 seconds, as well as losing centre-half Frankie Kent due to concussion.

Kent was struck full in the face by the ball, and was lying prone on the deck as Chesterfield made the most of their lucky break.

Clucas surged into the penalty area, unchallenged, before beating an exposed Sam Walker with a calm finish into the far corner of the net.

U’s players, and fans, were furious that the goal was allowed to stand, given that Kent had clearly been poleaxed by the ball and had suffered a head injury.

His absence in the heart of defence was also a factor in the goal, with Clucas able to exploit the hole in the U’s back-line.

Play did not restart for another four minutes, while a concussed Kent received treatment on the pitch. The teenager was eventually stretchered off, to be replaced by Magnus Okuonghae.

But the U’s came storming back in the second period, to turn the game on its head with Healey and Sears the marksmen.

Squads

COLCHESTER: Walker, Hewitt, Kent (sub Okuonghae, 6), Eastman, Clohessy, Fox, Moncur (sub Healey, 46), Gilbey, Massey, Sears, Watt. Unused subs: Lewington, Gordon, Eastmond, Bonne, Szmodics.

CHESTERFIELD: Lee, Darikwa, Evatt, Margreitter, Jones, O’Shea (sub Gardner, 86), Ryan, Morsy, Clucas, Banks (sub Johnson, 61), Doyle. Unused subs: Hunt, Raglan, Humphreys, Boco, Lamb.

Referee: Darren Sheldrake (Surrey)

Attendance: 2,718