Jordan Thomas scored twice as Cheltenham claimed their first League Two away win of the season with a 2-1 triumph at Colchester.

Town took a fifth-minute lead when Thomas slid the ball home from two yards after Ethon Archer had curled a cross into the six-yard box.

But Colchester equalised in the 27th minute when Lyle Taylor showed fine composure to finish superbly past goalkeeper Joe Day in the area after being sent through on goal by Samson Tovide.

Taylor’s curled effort flashed just wide minutes later but Cheltenham restored their lead in the second minute of first half stoppage time.

Colchester conceded possession in midfield and Thomas advanced towards goal before seeing his deflected shot sail past wrong-footed goalkeeper Matt Macey.

Jack Payne fired a first-time effort over early in the second half but, soon after, Macey made a fine point-blank save to deny George Miller.

At the other end, Taylor was twice thwarted by Day late on as Colchester pressed for an equaliser but Cheltenham took the points.