John-Kymani Gordon netted the winner as in-form Colchester extended their unbeaten run to 10 League Two matches with a 1-0 victory over Chesterfield at the JobServe Community Stadium.
Gordon scored in the 59th minute to take United six points off the play-off places, with Paddy Madden sent off late on for the visitors.
Jack Payne was twice denied by Chesterfield goalkeeper Ryan Boot early on.
Boot palmed away Ellis Iandolo’s rasping 25-yard effort before Chesterfield registered their first effort on target when Matt Macey foiled Bailey Hobson, who had burst into the Colchester area.
After a goalless first half, Colchester broke the deadlock just before the hour mark.
Gordon planted a fine header past Boot from Payne’s pinpoint ball into the box.
Substitute Samson Tovide had a good opportunity to double the lead minutes later when he was sent through on goal by Lyle Taylor’s short pass but a Chesterfield defender managed to toe-poke the ball away for a corner.
Madden’s first-time shot flew inches wide but the veteran striker was shown a red card for a bad foul on Tovide in the 89th minute as Colchester triumphed.
