Colchester recorded back-to-back wins for the first time this season with a 3-1 victory at Tranmere which piled more pressure on Rovers boss Nigel Adkins.

A brace from Lyle Taylor and an Owura Edwards strike helped Danny Cowley’s side make it three wins in their last four while Rovers have lost four of their last five.

The visitors were ahead in the ninth minute when Jack Payne was bundled over in the box by Connor Wood and Taylor duly converted from the spot.

Taylor had the chance to double his and United’s tally after 25 minutes but his shot from six yards was blocked after a surging run down the left by Edwards.

Presented with a similar opportunity eight minutes later, he made no mistake after latching onto Payne’s cut-back and slotting the ball home from close range.

Tranmere halved the deficit just after the break when Kristian Dennis’ left-footed effort found the corner to give the home fans belief.

But any hopes of a comeback were quickly dashed when Edwards ran from his own half before firing past Luke McGee from the edge of the area to make it 3-1 and secure the points.