Colchester moved into the League Two play-off places as they beat Fleetwood to make it five wins in a row.
Fleetwood goalkeeper Jay Lynch thwarted Owura Edwards early on and then made a double save from Harry Anderson.
Keeper Matt Macey made a flying save from Fleetwood's Owen Devonport at the other end before the break but it was the home side who took the lead in the 55th minute when Anderson played in Lyle Taylor, who clipped a shot into the far corner.
And the striker's slick backheel in his own half began the move which led to Owura Edwards firing through the legs of Jay Lynch for the second four minutes later.
Another sweeping move five minutes from time ended with Jack Payne scorinjg from 25 yards with a left-foot shot as Colchester moved up to seventh and extended their unbeaten run to 11 games.
"To get five wins in 14 days is an incredible effort from everyone involved," boss Danny Cowley told BBC Essex.
"When you play your fifth game in 14 days against a team that's had a clear week to prepare, it becomes really tough physically, but also mentally - but the way we implemented the game plan, the way the boys ran for each other was brilliant."
He added: "We had a brilliant start for the first 20-25 minutes, with such energy and intensity, but just before half-time we let one or two too many crosses in. In any game there's a period when you have to see it through and dig deep and we did that.
"We made a couple of little tweaks, it wasn't much, but gave us really good control in the second half and we were able to find the quality when it mattered."
Colchester now have a week to recover before travelling to West Yorkshire to take on second-placed Bradford City on Saturday.
Danny Cowley praises squad effort after another win
