LYLE Taylor scored twice as Colchester swept aside Tranmere 3-0 at the JobServe Community Stadium.
The U’s took a fourth-minute lead when Taylor converted from inside the six-yard box from Samson Tovide’s fine run and cross to score the 100th league goal of his career.
Regan Hendry lashed an effort just wide for the visitors and Colchester defender Ellis Iandolo cleared away Connor Jennings’ clever flick from near his own goal-line.
But Colchester doubled their lead in the 38th minute through Taylor, who decisively stabbed home from close range after Owura Edwards had burst down the left and picked him out.
Home goalkeeper Matt Macey foiled Harvey Saunders before half-time but after the break, Tranmere keeper Luke McGee thwarted Mandela Egbo from close range, while Jack Payne’s free-kick clipped the upright.
Colchester sealed victory in the 78th minute through Tovide, who finished clinically past McGee from Payne’s pass after Alex Woodyard had won the ball well in midfield.
Kristian Dennis struck the woodwork for Tranmere late on but the U’s eased to victory.
Rovers boss Nigel Adkins said: “It’s never great to concede an early goal.
“We lost captain Tom Davies overnight with an illness and there’s been illness going through the camp.
“They’ve got the ball, we’re in a good shape and young Zak (Bradshaw) has just slipped a little bit and give them credit, because it’s a good ball through and it’s a good cross and a good finish.
“It’s how you respond when you go behind and the game was a bit stop-start.
“We’ve got ourselves in the game but then they go down the other end of the pitch and it was another good cross by them, to be fair, and another finish.
“We were well in the game second half but Regan Hendry mis-controls it, gets pounced on and they go and score and make it 3-0.
“It’s really annoying, as the players have been made well aware of, and goals change the complexion of games.”
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