Mass appeal for Humes

Tony Humes hailed the impact of Gavin Massey after his brace helped Colchester beat Fleetwood 2-1.

Massey's goals helped the U's bag their first home win of the season, cancelling out Liam McAlinden's opener for the Cod Army. Boss Humes said: "Gavin scored a great first goal which was his first of the season and also scored a fantastic winning goal. "Gavin has drifted in from the right-hand side, found himself a bit of space and it was a fantastic finish. "Gavin has been playing well over the last seven or eight games. "He's had a lot of opportunities in areas without having clear-cut chances and for him to score two goals is great for his confidence. "He's a versatile player, he can play in the 10 role as a midfield player, he can play wide right and left and he can play up front and he was effective for us. "It was good to get that first win and it was something we needed. "We got a bit panicky at the end but we hung on. It was a tough game so we're absolutely delighted to come out with a win." McAlinden gave Fleetwood an 18th-minute lead when he latched onto Steven Schumacher's long pass to lift the ball over the onrushing Sam Walker. McAlinden had a penalty claim rejected when he fell under Sean Clohessy's challenge in the area. But Colchester equalised five minutes before half-time when Massey collected Freddie Sears' fine pass and scored from a difficult angle. Walker denied Antoni Sarcevic and Gareth Evans side-footed wide before Massey bagged Colchester's winner with 14 minutes remaining with a superb strike from the edge of the area after collecting Clohessy's pass. Fleetwood boss Graham Alexander was frustrated to see his side suffer a fourth successive away defeat. He said: "It's very disappointing. We're getting punished for the slightest lapses in concentration at the moment. "I can't remember Chris Maxwell having to make too many saves, apart from obviously the two goals. "We were in control at 1-0 thanks to Liam's fantastic finish and a great ball. "We had them at arm's length but goals change games. "We weren't in any danger but a goal from one cross-field pass gave them a little lifeline. "There was a stonewall penalty before that, without a doubt. We knew it at the time and we've watched it again and it was definitely a penalty at 1-0. "Liam has got across and the lad has pulled him back. The linesman should have seen it and if he gives it and we score it to go 2-0 up before half-time, then we're in a comfortable position. "But we're not getting those decisions at the moment."