A STUNNING strike from on-loan forward Sanchez Watt gave Colchester United a richly-deserved 1-0 victory over ten-man Stevenage at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

The Arsenal youngster flashed a 20-yard shot across Steve Arnold and into the far corner, ten minutes into the second half, after good work from fellow loanee Jabo Iberhe.

The goal came out of nothing but was just reward for some enterprising play from the U’s, who saw Arnold deny Ibehre and Gavin Massey with smart saves in the first half.

Filipe Morais brought the best out of U’s keeper Mark Cousins during a scrappy first period, before Colchester stepped up a gear in the second half, Anthony Wordsworth going close with a free kick that hit the bar and Arnold denying Ibehre and Freddie Sears.

At the other end, in a frantic last few minutes, Bondz N’Gala hit the bar with a spectacular overhead kick as the visitors, who lost Anthony Grant for two bookable offences, tried, but ultimately failed, to keep their unbeaten league record intact.

For a full match report and pictures, see Monday’s East Anglian Daily Times.