WREXHAM beat Colchester United 2-1 at The Racecourse to remain on the tails of League Two leaders Stockport County.

Leading scorer Elliot Lee gave Wrexham an early lead, bagging his 12th goal of the campaign on his 29th birthday, but the Reds were put on the back foot after George Evans was sent off just before the half-hour mark.

Lowly Colchester were still in the contest but an own goal in the second period gave Wrexham much needed daylight.

United reduced the deficit late on and although it had been far from comfortable, Phil Parkinson's men held on for victory.

The Reds are third in the table, six points behind Stockport with a game in hand.

Having rested his regulars for the last game - the 3-2 EFL Trophy second round defeat to Burton Albion 11 days earlier - Parkinson named a strong starting XI for the visit of Colchester.

There was a return to the side for centre-back Eoghan O'Connell who has recovered from a thigh injury sustained in the 2-1 win against Sutton on October 24.

Wrexham got off to a brilliant start by taking a fourth minute lead.

Colchester failed to deal with Ben Tozer's long throw-in, Lee's first shot at the far post was blocked but his follow-up found the back of the net.

United began to see more of the ball and Jayden Fevrier cut inside from the right and saw his low drive saved by goalkeeper Mark Howard with the visitors' first chance of the game.

Howard also saved from Matt Jay but a good Wrexham move that started from the back ended with United clearing the danger before the Reds won the ball back and James McClean's header was comfortably saved by Owen Goodman.

However, Wrexham were reduced to 10 men in the 26th minute when Evans was shown a straight red card following a late challenge on Arthur Read.

The dismissal meant star striker Paul Mullin dropped into a deeper midfield position and Colchester had an opportunity when Noah Chilvers made space on the edge of the area and fired wide.

Wrexham had the final chance of the first half when Tozer's throw-in was cleared as far as McClean whose volley fell narrowly wide.

James Jones replaced Sam Dalby for the start of the second period, with Mullin moving back into attack.

Wrexham came close to doubling their lead when Mullin progressed into the area area and his effort was parried by Goodman.

Mullin also headed straight at the goalkeeper but with Colchester asking questions when they attacked, the Reds needed a second goal to make the game safe.

And it came in the 69th minute when McClean's cross was turned into his own net by defender Zach Mitchell who made a hash of his attempted clearance.

Ellis Iandolo fired off target for Colchester after Howard failed to take a cross but the visitors pulled a goal back on 89 minutes.

Howard pulled off a brilliant save to keep out a header but Fevrier was on hand to put away the loose ball.

It gave Colchester hope but Wrexham weren't to be denied another win.

Wrexham (5-3-2): Howard; Mendy, O'Connell (Boyle 79), Tozer, O'Connor, McClean; Cannon, Evans, Lee (Davies 87); Dalby (Jones 46), Mullin (Palmer 87). Subs not used: McNicholas, Forde, Bickerstaff.

Colchester United (4-4-2): Goodman; Egbo, Mitchell, Kelleher, Greenidge (Iandolo 61); Fevrier, McGeehan, Read, Chilvers (Ihionvien 86); Jay (Akinde 61), Taylor. Subs not used: Hornby, Hopper, Nelson, Cooper.

Attendance: 9,746 (665 from Colchester).