Mandela Egbo’s second-half strike proved enough to secure Colchester a 1-0 League Two victory at home to 10-man Morecambe.

Egbo’s 65th-minute deflected shot flew into the net to seal victory for the U’s over the struggling Shrimps, after substitute Oscar Thorn had pulled the ball back to him in the area.

James McDonnell had sent a free header wide early on for Colchester, while Teddy Bishop curled the ball over soon after for the hosts.

Colchester’s Owura Edwards then fired into the side netting before Morecambe registered their first effort on goal just after the half-hour, when Gwion Edwards’ header was well saved by Matt Macey.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men on the stroke of half-time when Lee Angol was shown a straight red card for serious foul play, after connecting with Ellis Iandolo as the duo went for a loose ball.

After Colchester broke the deadlock, Bishop curled a shot wide for the hosts and although substitute Marcus Dackers sent an effort wide late on for the away side, Danny Cowley’s men held on for victory.