Jacob Slater netted from point-blank range in the ninth minute of stoppage time to earn Simon Weaver’s side a 1-0 home win that leaves them a point from safety with two games remaining.

With a strong wind at their backs, Harrogate shaded the first half though it was the visitors who came the closest to breaking the deadlock.

Frankie Terry – whose famous uncle John Terry has been linked with a takeover of the Us – forced Mark Oxley to tip his 15th-minute header around the post before Owura Edwards drew an even better save from the Town goalkeeper with a powerful effort.

Colchester came closer still almost immediately after the interval, Will Goodwin beating Oxley but seeing his finish bounce back off the crossbar.

Despite Harrogate asking some questions at the other end, it was Colchester who continued to look the more likely and substitute Jaden Williams bent a good opening wide before getting a free header all wrong.

But in the very last minute, Bryn Morris hit the bar from Reece Smith’s left-wing corner and Slater followed up in emphatic fashion.