Appéré’s close-range finish came late in a very scruffy first-half, his fifth goal of the season. Cobblers had chances to increase their lead in the second period and nearly paid for not doing so as Colchester finished strong and almost grabbed a late leveller. Here are our player ratings from a hard-fought win in Essex….
5. Harvey Lintott
Another solid display at wing-back. Stopped most attacks from developing down Colchester's left and contributed going the other way, seeing a couple of decent efforts blocked... 7 Photo: Pete Norton
6. Ali Koiki
Provided the width for Cobblers by pushing high and wide for long spells, even when they were leading 1-0 long into the second-half. Much better defensively compared to last week too... 7 Photo: Pete Norton
7. Jack Sowerby
First-half was scruffy and scrappy and there was no flow in the game, but he was able to get his foot on the ball and exert more control in the second. Still had enough energy to charge forward in the 95th-minute and see a decent chance well-saved... 7 Photo: Pete Norton
8. Shaun McWilliams
Mixed first-half and didn't reappear for the second, seemingly forced off through injury. Another headache for Brady... 6 Photo: Pete Norton