Mark Yeates' stunning free-kick sent Colchester through to the next round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
Colchester through to the next round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy
Mark Yeates' stunning second-half free-kick sent Colchester through to the next round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy with a 1-0 win which piled the pressure on Gillingham boss Mark Stimson.
The former Tottenham youngster curled a superb left-foot shot past Simon Royce on the hour to help the Us complete a cup double over the hosts after their Carling Cup success by the same scoreline in August.
The Gills were the better side in the first half with lively left-winger Albert Jarrett twice being denied by smart saves from Mark Cousins.
But the best chance of the opening period fell to the Us as striker Clive Platt somehow headed over after 24 minutes with the goal gaping.
Yeates broke the deadlock with his scorcher on the hour as Colchester enjoyed their best spell of the match.
The home side piled on the pressure in the final half-hour but the visitors held-on until the final whistle, which was met by boos from the disgruntled home faithful.
