Bristol City came from behind to beat Colchester and move above Watford into second place in the Championship.

The home side took the lead through Clive Platt before City hit back with Dele Adebola and Michael McIndoe netting.

The first chance of the game fell to Colchester as in-form midfielder Johnnie Jackson, who has scored in the last three games, forced a clearance from City's Marvin Elliott.

City's first attack of any note came after 10 minutes when Jackson's foul on Nick Carle resulted in a free-kick. Lee Johnson stepped up to to take the set-piece, which was blocked by Kemal Izzet.

Despite their lowly position, Colchester were not intimidated by their high-flying opponents and John White latched onto a cross from Karl Duguid but headed wide of the goal.

Colchester continued to have the upper hand and Izzet forced a save from Adriano Basso before Bradley Orr gave away a free-kick following a foul on Kevin McLeod, but it was cleared by Adebola.

Us goalkeeper Dean Gerken made his first save of the game just before the half-hour mark when he comfortably dealt with a McIndoe free-kick.

Colchester pushed forward and Scott Vernon went close on two occasions, both times shooting wide of the target.

Colchester closed the half the better side with Philip Ifil forcing a clearance from Jamie McCombe.

The home side's persistence paid off four minutes after the break when Clive Platt gave Colchester the lead from close range.

But their advantage proved shortlived as two minutes later Jamie McAllister's cross found the head of Adebola, who made no mistake in pulling City level.

For the first time in the game City were in control and Adebola went close moments later before a sweet shot from McIndoe after 57 minutes gave them the lead.

And they could have had another had Gerken not saved a shot from Johnson. Adebola then preserved the lead, blocking an effort from Jackson, while Kevin Lisbie mis-hit an effort.

As the game entered the final 15 minutes City stepped up a gear with Darren Byfield, McIndoe and Elliott all going close.

But Colchester were given a helping hand with 12 minutes of the game remaining when Orr was send off for his second bookable offence.

But the Us couldn't take advantage of their numerical advantage, although they went close to snatching a share of the points through Adam Virgo deep into injury time.

Teams:

Colchester Gerken, Ifil, Virgo, Coyne (Hammond 46), White (Granville 39), Duguid, Jackson, Izzet, McLeod (Lisbie 67), Vernon, Platt.

Subs Not Used: Cousins, Watson.

Booked: Izzet.

Goals: Platt 50.

Bristol City Basso, Orr, McCombe, Fontaine, McAllister,Sproule (Skuse 80), Johnson, Elliott, McIndoe,Carle (Byfield 55), Adebola (Vasko 84).

Subs Not Used: Weale, Noble.

Sent Off: Orr (79).

Booked: Orr.

Goals: Adebola 52, McIndoe 58.

Att: 5,609

Ref: Anthony Taylor (Greater Manchester).