Lee Bell's side had gone eight games without a win, but broke that duck in impressive fashion against Barnsley last weekend before another terrific result against the U's.

Crewe took the lead early in the first half, Hurst tapping in from close range from a superb low driven cross from the impressive Luke Walley.

The hosts drew level at 1-1 with a close range strike of their own, the centre forward converting a low cross first time past a helpless Jake Hilton & that's the way it stayed going into half-time

A dangerous cross from Hurst forced a U's defender to slice into their own net as The Alex re-took the lead after some high pressing up the field.

Crewe made it 3-1 & looked in control as the ever-involved Hurst took advantage of some good fortune when the U's keeper pushed a cross into his midriff, allowing the winger to fire into an empty net.

But Colchester made Crewe sweat for the three points, pulling one back for 3-2 late on when breaking down the left hand side before another low cross allowed the striker a tap in.

Crewe defending the remaining time resolutely to round-off an impressive victory & make the long trip home a happy one.

Crewe: Hilton, Johnson (Manuel), Sass-Davies (Barlow), Wilkinson, Offord. Hurst, Harrison, Lundstram (Walsh), Lynch, Griffiths, Thompson