Phil Brown went with a bold 4-3-3 formation with Alexander sitting in midfield behind a back four that consisted of Carlisle, Morgan, Mclean at right back and Parry playing a makeshift left back.
Preston dominated the first 15 minutes but were undone by defence mistakes which took the game away from them. A ball played in between Parry and the rest of the defence was converted home before a similar typr scenario early in the second period doubled Colchester's lead.
Preston always threatened and Mellor clinically finished to put Preston bak int he game before keeper, Turner, had a moment of madness rushing out 30 yards for a ball he was never going to get allowing Colchester another two goal lead.
Paul Coutts then scored the goal of his career waltzing through the Colchester defence before finishing a fine effort. Unfortunately, Preston could not complete a comeback and slack defending from a corner saw the visitors score again to complete a victory.