Sammie Szmodics claimed a first-half hat-trick as Colchester secured an impressive 3-1 Sky Bet League Two win over promotion-chasing Exeter.
Szmodics' opening strike in the 21st minute took a big deflection off Exeter defender Troy Archibald-Henville after the U's forward had burst into the penalty area.
Colchester went further ahead five minutes later when Szmodics scored from the spot, after Kane Vincent-Young was fouled by Jake Taylor in the area.
Szmodics then netted again four minutes later with a superb shot into the top corner of the net from inside the area, after Frankie Kent had missed his kick.
Szmodics almost scored again just before half-time with a superb curled effort that smacked the outside of a post.
Substitute Jayden Stockley pulled a goal back for Exeter just after the hour when he stooped low to head home from Hiran Boateng's corner.
Taylor fired over after goalkeeper Sam Walker had denied Boateng and at the other end, Szmodics blasted over with only Christy Pym to beat.
Source: PA
