Colchester United 5 Exeter City 1.
Saturday 26 March 2011.

Ref: Karl Evans

Att: 3629 with 245 City fans.

BBC Match report-

Steven Gillespie scored twice as Colchester routed nine-man Exeter City.

Daniel Nardiello's far-post finish gave the Grecians the lead, but Gillespie made it 1-1 when he flicked in Matt Heath's header from a corner.

Steve Tully and Scott Golbourne were sent off for fouls on Ashley Vincent. Golbourne's resulted in a penalty scored by David Mooney.

Vincent finished from Lloyd James' pass, Gillespie slotted in and Andy Bond made it five from close range.

Colchester United manager John Ward told BBC Essex:
"Absolutely enjoyed it as did the supporters, I think it is a reward for everybody's patience, particularly the team and the supporters.

"Even at 1-0 down it was a test for the team, how were we going to deal with this situation.

"We lifted our game and at halftime we talked about keeping the pace of the game going."

Exeter manager Paul Tisdale told BBC Radio Devon:
"The second red card was the decisive moment, if it wasn't hard enough going 3-1 down and having a man sent off is curtains really.

"The circumstances left us with nine men for the last 20 minutes and it was very hard for the players."