A late goal from Fiacre Kelleher helped Colchester beat Port Vale 2-1 to boost their League Two play-off hopes.

Vale goalkeeper Ben Amos denied Samson Tovide and Ellis Iandolo early on, before the hosts made the breakthrough in the 34th minute.

Tovide robbed Vale defender Nathan Smith of possession just inside the visitors’ half before showing devastating pace and then firing a magnificent shot past Amos from a tight angle.

Tovide’s header was saved by Amos before half-time but Vale came close to equalising early in the second half when Kelleher cleared Connor Hall’s goal-bound effort away from near his own goal-line, following Ethan Chislett’s free-kick into the box.

And the visitors were level in the 84th minute when substitute Rico Richards converted from close range from Jayden Stockley’s knock down, after a cross into the box.

However, Colchester restored their lead a minute later through Kelleher, who headed home Lyle Taylor’s cross.

Ronan Curtis’ fine shot struck the woodwork deep into stoppage time, as Colchester claimed victory.