Arthur Read’s first-half goal proved enough as Danny Cowley picked up his first win as Colchester boss with a 1-0 League Two victory over Morecambe at the Mazuma Stadium.

A stunning free-kick from former Stevenage midfielder Read gave the U’s the much-needed points in their quest to move away from the bottom end of the table.

A scrappy game saw Read produce a moment of quality before the break with a 25-yard free-kick that found the top left-hand side of the Morecambe goal with goalkeeper Archie Mair helpless.

Morecambe did have a chance to level the scores with a penalty 50 seconds into the second half when Riley Harbottle brought down Jake Taylor, but Ged Gardner’s effort was well saved by Owen Goodman.

The home side thought they had levelled after 54 minutes when Jacob Bedeau volleyed home Farrend Rawson’s knock down but the goal was ruled out for an offside.

Bedeau went close with a header – four minutes into second-half injury time – and Rawson went close again for the Shrimps but it was Cowley’s side who took the points.