Ryan Shotton's header early in the second half helped Tranmere secure a 1-0 victory over Colchester.
Tranmere end Colchester's nine-match unbeaten run
Ryan Shotton's header early in the second half helped Tranmere secure an important 1-0 victory over fellow play-off hopefuls Colchester.
Shotton headed in Charlie Barnett's free-kick in the 49th minute to secure Rovers their first away win since October and end the U's nine-match unbeaten run.
It was an even opening 45 minutes, with both sides hitting the woodwork before half-time.
Tranmere almost struck an early blow when Shotton's header from eight yards rebounded back off the crossbar after Chris Shuker had been allowed to cross at the second attempt for the left.
Shuker then missed a glorious chance but Colchester hit back towards the end of the first half, with Dean Hammond's free header sailing straight into the arms of goalkeeper Danny Coyne and Mark Yeates' deflected low effort grazing the far post.
Tranmere went ahead five minutes after the break when defender Shotton nodded in from six yards unchallenged and although Yeates went close after that, Rovers secured a crucial three points.
