Colchester 2-1 Preston

Johnnie Jackson's late winner lifted Colchester off the bottom of the table.

Scott Vernon converted a 68th-minute penalty to put United ahead after North End defender Sean St Ledger was sent off for hauling down Karl Duguid.

Preston looked to have secured a draw when substitute Neil Mellor, who had only been on the pitch for four minutes, stabbed home from six yards.

But with just two minutes to go former Tottenham trainee Jackson lashed in a superb right-footed shot volley.

Colchester: Gerken, Ifil, Coyne, Virgo, White, Duguid, Izzet, Jackson, McLeod (Guttridge 84), Sheringham (Vernon 62), Platt.
Subs Not Used: Cousins, Granville, Watson.

Goals: Vernon 68 pen, Jackson 88.

Preston: Lonergan, Jones, St. Ledger, Chilvers, Davidson, Sedgwick (Mawene 71), McKenna, Carter, Whaley (Chaplow 78), Brown, Hawley (Mellor 77).
Subs Not Used: Szamotulski, Ormerod.

Sent Off: St. Ledger (68).

Booked: Sedgwick, Carter.

Goals: Mellor 81.

Att: 5,122

Ref: Paul Taylor (Hertfordshire).

Source: BBC UK