Niall Canavan slammed home the Bluebirds’ winner in the 85th minute after the ball had been headed back across goal following a free-kick into the box.

The victory ended a six-match losing run and moved them five points clear of the League Two relegation zone.

Barrow almost took a 12th-minute lead when Colchester’s Jack Payne diverted Rekeem Harper’s attempted cross just past his own post for a corner.

Barrow’s Ben Jackson drove just wide before half-time but Colchester should have taken a 57th-minute lead when Samson Tovide fired wastefully wide of the target from close range.

Will Goodwin had a header ruled out for Colchester, while at the other end Tom Barkhuizen curled a shot over from the edge of the area.

Elliot Newby’s tame shot was straight at United goalkeeper Matt Macey after Barkhuizen had escaped down the right for Barrow, before Canavan broke the deadlock.

There was still time for Colchester substitute Teddy Bishop to be denied by Wyll Stanway but the hosts claimed their first home win since September.