Jake Cassidy's hat-trick helped Tranmere ease past Colchester and move top of the League One table.

Cassidy, currently on loan at Rovers from Wolves, broke the deadlock when he nodded home Andy Robinson's cross, before lashing in to make it 2-0.

Rovers defender Zoumana Bakayogo then swept home to put them further ahead.

Owain fon Williams denied U's midfielder Ian Henderson a consolation, before Cassidy wrapped up the victory when he poked home his third.

The damage could have been more severe for the visitors had Jean Louis Akpa-Akpro's effort not cannoned off the post following a fine solo run.

VIEWS FROM THE DRESSING ROOM

Colchester United manager John Ward told BBC Essex:

"I was extremely disappointed with that display. The second half was a good performance from Tranmere which we didn't stand up to.

"Give credit to our opponents, they played very good football, they knocked us around a bit, but we didn't respond with any real positive thoughts.

"The second half was one-way traffic and we've been pulled apart by a very good display. We went two down and kind of fell apart, we didn't stay with the shape and the way we wanted to play.

"I was really disappointed I saw some heads drop and some people disappear a little bit - one or two people went missing for me."

Lineup, Bookings (2) & Substitutions (5)

Tranmere Rovers

  • 01 fon Williams
  • 02 Holmes
  • 14 Bakayogo
  • 21 Gibson
  • 23 Golobart
  • 06 Palmer
  • 08 Wallace
  • 10 Robinson (Kirby - 78' )
  • 09 Cassidy (Stockton - 83' )
  • 22 Bell-Baggie
  • 26 Akpa Akpro

Substitutes

  • 33 Mooney
  • 19 Kay
  • 12 Harrison
  • 15 Kirby
  • 17 Power
  • 11 McGurk
  • 16 Stockton

Colchester United

  • 01 Cousins
  • 03 Rose
  • 04 Okuonghae Booked
  • 06 Heath
  • 20 Wilson
  • 07 Duguid (Henderson - 63' Booked )
  • 14 Bond
  • 15 Bean
  • 22 Wordsworth (Massey - 63' )
  • 09 Morrison
  • 11 Sears (O'Toole - 88' )

Substitutes

  • 35 Pentney
  • 18 Eastman
  • 25 White
  • 08 O'Toole
  • 10 Izzet
  • 16 Henderson
  • 21 Massey
Ref: Madley
Att: 4,711

Match Stats

Shots

13 5

On target

4 3

Corners

3 9

Fouls

2 16

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +3:17 Full time

Full Time The referee signals the end of the game.

90:00 +2:40

Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Michael Rose (Colchester) to near post, clearance by Ben Gibson (Tranmere).

90:00 +2:07

Attacking throw-in by Michael Rose (Colchester).

90:00 +1:39

Cross by Marcus Bean (Colchester), clearance by Ben Gibson (Tranmere).

90:00 +1:19

Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Michael Rose (Colchester) to far post, clearance by Ben Gibson (Tranmere).

90:00 +0:47

Defending throw-in by Michael Rose (Colchester).

89:27

Attacking throw-in by Zoumana Bakayogo (Tranmere).

89:08

Defending throw-in by Brian Wilson (Colchester).

88:35

Goal kick taken long by Owain Fon Williams (Tranmere).

87:47 Substitution

Substitution Colchester substitution: Freddie Sears replaced by John-Joe O'Toole (injury).

87:12

Defending throw-in by Zoumana Bakayogo (Tranmere).

84:58

Defending throw-in by Michael Rose (Colchester).

83:59

Defending throw-in by Michael Rose (Colchester).

83:29

Defending throw-in by Michael Rose (Colchester).

82:24 Substitution

Substitution Tranmere substitution: Jake Cassidy replaced by Cole Stockton (tactical).

81:26

Cross by Brian Wilson (Colchester), clearance by Roman Golobart (Tranmere). Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Michael Rose (Colchester) to far post, clearance by Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro (Tranmere). Cross by Marcus Bean (Colchester), clearance by Roman Golobart (Tranmere).

81:01

Defending throw-in by Michael Rose (Colchester).

79:45 Booking

Booking Ian Henderson (Colchester) booked for unsporting behaviour.

79:33

Foul by Ian Henderson (Colchester) on Zoumana Bakayogo (Tranmere). Free kick taken left-footed by Zoumana Bakayogo (Tranmere) from left wing, passed.

78:43

Defending throw-in by Zoumana Bakayogo (Tranmere).

77:46 Substitution

Substitution Tranmere substitution: Andy Robinson replaced by Jake Kirby (injury).

76:01

Assist (cross) by James Wallace (Tranmere) from left side of penalty area.

76:01 Goal scored

Goal - Jake Cassidy - Tranmere 4 - 0 Colchester Goal by Jake Cassidy (Tranmere) left-footed (bottom-left of goal) from centre of penalty area (6 yards).Tranmere 4-0 Colchester.

74:44

Defending throw-in by Danny Holmes (Tranmere).

74:02

Shot by Ian Henderson (Colchester) left-footed from centre of penalty area (18 yards), save (caught) by Owain Fon Williams (Tranmere).

73:12

Foul by Brian Wilson (Colchester) on Zoumana Bakayogo (Tranmere). Free kick taken right-footed by Abdulai Bell-Baggie (Tranmere) from left wing, passed.

72:49

Attacking throw-in by Zoumana Bakayogo (Tranmere).

71:36

Cross by Jake Cassidy (Tranmere), save (caught) by Mark Cousins (Colchester).

71:15

Attacking throw-in by Danny Holmes (Tranmere).

70:34

Defending throw-in by Zoumana Bakayogo (Tranmere).

69:56

Defending throw-in by Michael Rose (Colchester).

69:35

Defending throw-in by Ian Henderson (Colchester).

67:16

Foul by Ian Henderson (Colchester) on Abdulai Bell-Baggie (Tranmere). Free kick taken right-footed by Owain Fon Williams (Tranmere) from own half, resulting in open play.

66:31

Cross by Michael Rose (Colchester), clearance by James Wallace (Tranmere).

64:01

Shot by Andy Robinson (Tranmere) right-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), missed left.

63:09

Foul by Marcus Bean (Colchester) on Jake Cassidy (Tranmere). Free kick taken right-footed by Andy Robinson (Tranmere) from right wing, resulting in open play.

62:31 Substitution

Substitution Colchester substitution: Karl Duguid replaced by Ian Henderson (tactical).

62:19 Substitution

Substitution Colchester substitution: Anthony Wordsworth replaced by Gavin Massey (tactical).

62:11

Defending throw-in by Michael Rose (Colchester).

59:42

Inswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Anthony Wordsworth (Colchester) to near post, save (caught) by Owain Fon Williams (Tranmere).

59:00

Shot by Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro (Tranmere) right-footed from left channel (12 yards),

57:19

Assist (cross) by Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro (Tranmere) from centre of penalty area.

57:19 Goal scored

Goal - Zoumana Bakayogo - Tranmere 3 - 0 Colchester Goal by Zoumana Bakayogo (Tranmere) left-footed (top-right of goal) from centre of penalty area (18 yards).Tranmere 3-0 Colchester.

56:41

Cross by Anthony Wordsworth (Colchester), clearance by Ben Gibson (Tranmere).

56:19

Attacking throw-in by Brian Wilson (Colchester).

55:52

Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro (Tranmere) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Mark Cousins (Colchester) from own half, resulting in open play.

55:06

Foul by Freddie Sears (Colchester) on James Wallace (Tranmere). Free kick taken right-footed by Owain Fon Williams (Tranmere) from own half, resulting in open play.

54:36

Attacking throw-in by Michael Rose (Colchester).

54:19

Attacking throw-in by Michael Rose (Colchester).

53:01

Defending throw-in by Michael Rose (Colchester).

52:37

Cross by Brian Wilson (Colchester), shot by Freddie Sears (Colchester) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), save (caught) by Owain Fon Williams (Tranmere).

51:48

Cross by Andy Robinson (Tranmere), shot by Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro (Tranmere) right-footed from centre of penalty area (6 yards), missed right.

51:29

Attacking throw-in by Danny Holmes (Tranmere).

50:44

Foul by Michael Rose (Colchester) on Andy Robinson (Tranmere). Free kick taken right-footed by Andy Robinson (Tranmere) from right channel, passed.

50:11

Attacking throw-in by Brian Wilson (Colchester).

48:25 Goal scored

Goal - Jake Cassidy - Tranmere 2 - 0 Colchester Goal by Jake Cassidy (Tranmere) right-footed (bottom-left of goal) from centre of penalty area (18 yards).Tranmere 2-0 Colchester.

48:09

Foul by Karl Duguid (Colchester) on Andy Robinson (Tranmere). Free kick taken left-footed by Roman Golobart (Tranmere) from own half, passed.

45:52

Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Andy Robinson (Tranmere) to near post, clearance by Brian Wilson (Colchester).

45:22

Cross by Michael Rose (Colchester), save (caught) by Owain Fon Williams (Tranmere).

45:01

The referee gets the second half started.

45:00 +2:00 Half time

Half Time The referee calls an end to the first half.

45:00 +0:57

Foul by James Wallace (Tranmere) on Marcus Bean (Colchester). Free kick taken left-footed by Anthony Wordsworth (Colchester) from right channel, resulting in open play.

45:00 +0:30

Attacking throw-in by Michael Rose (Colchester).

44:52

Jake Cassidy (Tranmere) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Mark Cousins (Colchester) from own half, resulting in open play.

44:02

Goal kick taken long by Mark Cousins (Colchester).

42:58

Defending throw-in by Danny Holmes (Tranmere).

42:38

Cross by Freddie Sears (Colchester), clearance by Owain Fon Williams (Tranmere).

42:18

Foul by Abdulai Bell-Baggie (Tranmere) on Anthony Wordsworth (Colchester). Free kick taken left-footed by Michael Rose (Colchester) from own half, resulting in open play.

40:51

Attacking throw-in by Brian Wilson (Colchester).

39:44

Assist (cross) by Andy Robinson (Tranmere) from left side of penalty area.

39:44 Goal scored

Goal - Jake Cassidy - Tranmere 1 - 0 Colchester Headed goal by Jake Cassidy (Tranmere) (high centre of goal) from centre of penalty area (6 yards).Tranmere 1-0 Colchester.

38:47

Shot by Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro (Tranmere) right-footed from left channel (20 yards), missed left.

36:34

Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro (Tranmere) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Mark Cousins (Colchester) from own half, resulting in open play.

35:49

Cross by Andy Bond (Colchester), save (caught) by Owain Fon Williams (Tranmere).

34:34

Cross by Abdulai Bell-Baggie (Tranmere), clearance by Magnus Okuonghae (Colchester). Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Andy Robinson (Tranmere) to centre, header by James Wallace (Tranmere) from centre of penalty area (12 yards),

34:22

Foul by Karl Duguid (Colchester) on Jake Cassidy (Tranmere). Free kick taken right-footed by James Wallace (Tranmere) from own half, passed.

33:53

Cross by Abdulai Bell-Baggie (Tranmere), save (caught) by Mark Cousins (Colchester).

32:54

Attacking throw-in by Brian Wilson (Colchester).

32:12

Shot by Abdulai Bell-Baggie (Tranmere) right-footed from right channel (25 yards), missed right.

31:30

Foul by Clinton Morrison (Colchester) on Roman Golobart (Tranmere). Free kick taken right-footed by Owain Fon Williams (Tranmere) from right channel, resulting in open play.

31:17

Cross by Brian Wilson (Colchester), clearance by Ben Gibson (Tranmere).

30:54

Attacking throw-in by Brian Wilson (Colchester).

30:12

Corner from right by-line taken short left-footed by Anthony Wordsworth (Colchester). Clearance by Roman Golobart (Tranmere).

29:49

Attacking throw-in by Brian Wilson (Colchester).

28:07

Shot by Marcus Bean (Colchester) left-footed from right channel (20 yards), outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Anthony Wordsworth (Colchester) to near post, clearance by Ben Gibson (Tranmere). Foul by Michael Rose (Colchester) on Andy Robinson (Tranmere). Free kick taken right-footed by James Wallace (Tranmere) from left channel, resulting in open play.

27:59

Attacking throw-in by Freddie Sears (Colchester).

27:49

Attacking throw-in by Karl Duguid (Colchester).

27:05

Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro (Tranmere) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Mark Cousins (Colchester) from own half, resulting in open play.

26:30

Foul by Andy Bond (Colchester) on Abdulai Bell-Baggie (Tranmere). Free kick taken right-footed by Roman Golobart (Tranmere) from right channel, passed.

25:56

Cross by Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro (Tranmere), save (caught) by Mark Cousins (Colchester).

25:43

Cross by Andy Robinson (Tranmere), clearance by Andy Bond (Colchester).

24:45

Goal kick taken long by Owain Fon Williams (Tranmere).

24:10

Shot by Abdulai Bell-Baggie (Tranmere) left-footed from right channel (20 yards), missed right.

22:42

Cross by Zoumana Bakayogo (Tranmere), blocked by Brian Wilson (Colchester). Inswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Andy Robinson (Tranmere) to near post, clearance by Matt Heath (Colchester).

22:27

Attacking throw-in by Zoumana Bakayogo (Tranmere).

21:47

Header by Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro (Tranmere) from left side of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar.

20:45

Foul by Marcus Bean (Colchester) on Abdulai Bell-Baggie (Tranmere). Free kick taken right-footed by James Wallace (Tranmere) from right wing, resulting in open play.

20:38

Attacking throw-in by Danny Holmes (Tranmere).

19:46

Shot by Anthony Wordsworth (Colchester) left-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), save (caught) by Owain Fon Williams (Tranmere). Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Anthony Wordsworth (Colchester) to centre, clearance by Ben Gibson (Tranmere).

18:42

Attacking throw-in by Michael Rose (Colchester).

17:41

Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Anthony Wordsworth (Colchester) to near post, clearance by James Wallace (Tranmere). Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Anthony Wordsworth (Colchester) to near post, clearance by Ben Gibson (Tranmere).

16:45

Foul by Freddie Sears (Colchester) on Jake Cassidy (Tranmere). Free kick taken right-footed by James Wallace (Tranmere) from left channel, passed.

16:27

Clinton Morrison (Colchester) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Owain Fon Williams (Tranmere) from own half, resulting in open play.

16:16

Handball by James Wallace (Tranmere). Free kick taken right-footed by Mark Cousins (Colchester) from own half, resulting in open play.

15:44 Booking

Booking Magnus Okuonghae (Colchester) booked for unsporting behaviour.

15:09

Foul by Magnus Okuonghae (Colchester) on Jake Cassidy (Tranmere). Free kick taken right-footed by Andy Robinson (Tranmere) from left wing, resulting in open play.

14:28

Attacking throw-in by Michael Rose (Colchester).

14:15

Cross by Freddie Sears (Colchester), clearance by Roman Golobart (Tranmere).

12:16

Cross by Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro (Tranmere), save (caught) by Mark Cousins (Colchester).

11:53

Attacking throw-in by Danny Holmes (Tranmere).

10:23

Attacking throw-in by Zoumana Bakayogo (Tranmere).

10:06

Cross by Abdulai Bell-Baggie (Tranmere), clearance by Brian Wilson (Colchester).

9:43

Attacking throw-in by Danny Holmes (Tranmere).

8:49

Attacking throw-in by Brian Wilson (Colchester).

8:36

Defending throw-in by Brian Wilson (Colchester).

8:08

Defending throw-in by Brian Wilson (Colchester).

7:35

Defending throw-in by Andy Bond (Colchester).

7:24

Defending throw-in by Brian Wilson (Colchester).

7:09

Attacking throw-in by Zoumana Bakayogo (Tranmere).

6:52

Defending throw-in by Zoumana Bakayogo (Tranmere).

6:25

Goal kick taken long by Mark Cousins (Colchester).

6:09

Cross by Abdulai Bell-Baggie (Tranmere), clearance by Matt Heath (Colchester).

5:19

Foul by Clinton Morrison (Colchester) on Ben Gibson (Tranmere). Free kick taken right-footed by Owain Fon Williams (Tranmere) from own half, resulting in open play.

4:17

Goal kick taken long by Owain Fon Williams (Tranmere).

3:53

Cross by Michael Rose (Colchester), clearance by Abdulai Bell-Baggie (Tranmere).

3:15

Shot by Freddie Sears (Colchester) right-footed from right channel (20 yards), blocked by Ben Gibson (Tranmere).

2:54

Cross by Michael Rose (Colchester), clearance by Zoumana Bakayogo (Tranmere).

2:31

Cross by Freddie Sears (Colchester), clearance by Ben Gibson (Tranmere).

2:09

Goal kick taken long by Mark Cousins (Colchester).

1:44

Shot by Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro (Tranmere) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), missed right.

0:18

Foul by Brian Wilson (Colchester) on Andy Robinson (Tranmere). Free kick taken right-footed by Andy Robinson (Tranmere) from left wing, resulting in open play.

0:00

The referee gets the game underway.

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