COLCHESTER United claimed their first away win since November following an impressive 1-0 triumph at Bromley this afternoon.

Owura Edwards' fourth-minute strike proved the difference between the two sides in the U's first-ever league game at Hayes Lane, as Danny Cowley's side ended a run of three successive defeats.

Colchester, backed by a loud away following, might have easily added to their lead after taking the lead and had a number of opportunities to seal the win, before the end.

Colchester boss Danny Cowley named an unchanged starting line-up for his side’s clash with Bromley.

And the U’s, backed by a big away following, were ahead in the fourth minute.

Edwards, sporting a new haircut, slotted home clinically from close range after Lyle Taylor had picked him out in the area, following a well-worked move.

Colchester were well worth their lead and they immediately went in search of a second goal, after that.

Jamie McDonnell's 11th-minute header from Jack Payne's corner was headed off the line by former Colchester defender Omar Sowunmi, while five minutes later Payne denied by goalkeeper Grant Smith from point blank range after Edwards had done brilliantly down the left and create the chance.

(Image: RICHARD BLAXALL)

There was another opportunity for Colchester soon after when Fiacre Kelleher came up from the back and got on the end of Teddy Bishop's free-kick into the area, forcing Smith to save at his near post.

Bromley’s first effort on target in the first half came in the 37th minute.

Kamari Grant's shot at point blank range was brilliantly blocked by Ellis Iandolo inside his own six-yard box.

Idris Odutayo fired over the bar before half-time for Bromley after Sowunmi had caused problems in the Colchester box but the visitors were good value for their half-time lead.

(Image: RICHARD BLAXALL)

It was a quiet start to the second half for both sides, which suited Colchester given their lead.

And the U's almost doubled their advantage just after the hour mark when Taylor's low shot from close range was well saved by Smith and soon after, Mandela Egbo's fierce 25-yard strike was parried away by the Bromley goalkeeper, as the visitors pressed for a second.

Iandolo diverted substitute Louis Dennis's cross just past his own post but Harry Anderson almost sealed the win deep into stoppage time when he fired over with Smith stranded, as Colchester saw the game out to claim their first win of 2025.

MATCH STATS: COLCHESTER UNITED: Macey, Egbo, Kelleher, Flanagan, Iandolo, McDonnell, Bishop, Anderson, Payne (sub Goodliffe, 88), Edwards (sub Hopper, 77), Taylor (sub Thorn, 77).

Substitutes (not used): Terry, Read, Gordon, Smith.

Bromley: Smith, Elerewe, Sowunmi, Grant (sub Ilunga, 66), Whitely (sub Dennis, 66), Congreve (sub Arthurs, 46), Imray, Odutayo, Thompson, Kabamba (sub Passely, 66).

Substitutes (not used): Webster, Amantchi, Long.

Referee: Greg Rollason.

Goals: Colchester: Edwards (4).

Bookings: Colchester: Flanagan (unsporting behaviour, 90). Bromley: Sowunmi (foul, 90), Imray (unsporting behaviour, 90).

Attendance: 3,907.