Accrington Stanley made it a magnificent seven-straight wins, and remain clear at the top of League Two, after beating Colchester United 1-0 at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.
Billy Kee scored his 23rd goal of the season in somewhat strange circumstances in the second half, to ensure that Stanley extend their undefeated run to 12 games.In the 63rd minute, the ball was whipped low into the area from the right-hand side after intelligent play by Sean McConville and Jordan Clark.Goalkeeper Sam Walker appear to have it covered, but elected to try and punch the low ball. It feel straight to Kee, who calmly knocked it in to give Stanley the lead.
Colchester were relentless in searching for an equaliser as the game drew to an close, but Stanley stood strong in defence to take the victory.
Both sides came into the game in good form, Colchester having won their previous three fixtures, with Stanley winning their last six.
The first half was a tense affair with few clear-cut chances, but it was Stanley who went the closest to breaking the deadlock.
McConville found Mark Hughes in the penalty area with a lofted pass following a corner in the 15th minute, and the defender saw his powerful effort parried away by Walker at the near post.Quarter of an hour later, Clark's clever flick found Seamus Conneely on the edge of the area. The skipper lined up a low shot toward the far post, but it curled just wide.
Stanley began the second half with plenty of energy, trying hard to find the opening goal, but Colchester defended well and continued to threaten on the counter attack.
Kee's opening goal just after the hour-mark almost opened the floodgates for the visitors, as Stanley had a number of chances to double the lead.
Arguably the best of those came in the 76th minute, Kayden Jackson cut a low pass across the penalty area to Kee, who tried to slot his shot home for his second of the afternoon, but Walker saved brilliantly to deny him.Jackson almost sealed it in added time when Stanley had their backs to wall, Colchester piling forward in search of a leveller.
The striker raced through onto a long ball clearance, but Walker made himself big to deny the shot, as the Reds secured all three points..