Colchester United scored two late goals to earn a dramatic victory over Newport County in League Two.

Samson Tovide was denied by Nick Townsend early on as the visitors lost Lyle Taylor to injury after just 11 minutes at Rodney Parade.

Kai Whitmore then had a pair of efforts for the home side before being denied by goalkeeper Matt Macey on the stroke of half time.

David Ajiboye's curling strike hit the post shortly after the break before Whitmore missed the target as Newport caused the promotion-chasing U's problems.

But as the contest appeared destined to end goalless, Fiacre Kelleher headed Mandela Egbo's cross beyond Townsend in the 88th minute.

Anthony Scully notched his side's second in added time to earn Danny Cowley's side victory.

It means Colchester - currently eighth - move to within a point of Grimsby Town who currently occupy the final play-off spot with four games remaining.

Newport - now winless in five matches - are 18th.

Newport County head coach Nelson Jardim said:

"Very difficult (to take). When you look at the game, overall the better team today didn't win the game.

"Football is like that. I told the boys, mainly they let themselves down today because it comes down to two moments of set plays again.

"We're trying to get those things sorted but we always struggle with that. We lost because of those two moments, but I think overall a point would probably be a fair result."

Colchester United boss Danny Cowley told BBC Radio Essex:

"A brilliant finish, a great win. I've had easier Saturdays. We had a brilliant start to the game and then lost Lyle [Taylor] to what looks like a serious injury.

"We managed to reorganise at half time, we managed to get connection between the lines and that's why in the second half we played a lot better.

"I'm just proud of the group, we kept going and going and I think that's ultimately how we ended up winning the game."