MATT Heath was the hero at both ends of the pitch as Colchester United recorded their first win of the season, at the expense of League Two hosts Gillingham in a Carling Cup first round tie last night.

Carl Marston

Gillingham 0 Colchester United 1

MATT Heath was the hero at both ends of the pitch as Colchester United recorded their first win of the season, at the expense of League Two hosts Gillingham in a Carling Cup first round tie last night.

Centre-half Heath nodded home the only goal of the game from point blank range in the 10th minute, after Paul Reid's initial header from Mark Yeates' free-kick had been blocked on the goal-line.

Heath also impressed in the heart of defence with a number of commanding headers, and strong tackles, as the League One visitors comfortably held onto their slender lead during the second-half.

In fact, only a tremendous save from Gills keeper Alan Julian denied the U's a second goal in the 75th minute. Kem Izzet sliced open the home defence but could not beat Julian.

This was the U's first victory in this competition for four years, since beating Cheltenham in 2004, and should be a big boost going into their first home game of the campaign at the new Community Stadium, against Huddersfield on Saturday.