COLCHESTER United boss John Ward hailed his side’s attitude after they recorded their first home win of the season in comfortable fashion against Tranmere.

The U’s stormed into a 3-0 half-time lead through David Mooney, Anthony Wordsworth and Magnus Okuonghae goals and could have easily had more after the break.

Wordsworth had a penalty saved late on though and Rovers striker Enoch Showunmi scored a consolation on the counter-attack to make the scoreline less reflective of the U’s dominance.

“I am absolutely delighted with my team,” said Ward, whose side are now the only remaining unbeaten team in League One following Carlisle’s defeat at Bournemouth.

“I challenged their application and attitude this week and they responded. I thought it was absolutely spot on today. If we weren’t right today we would have got beat so I am really, really pleased.

“We could have had more goals in the second half, but we didn’t take our chances and their goal is a warning – it’s a nice warning to get though when you’ve already built up a three goal cushion.

“People have kept talking about the three 1-1 draws we’ve had at home but the truth is we probably played as well as today, if not better, in those games.

“We’ve worked really hard on creating chances in training this week, so to get the three goals and the first home win is really pleasing.”

This win moves Colchester up to fifth in the league table ahead of the visit of Dagenham & Redbridge on Tuesday night.

– Full report and reaction in Monday’s EADT.