A win was so important after last weeks defeat and Earnshaw delivered. City now have 46 points from 21 games, a fantastic return. Earnie himself has 21 goals from 25 appearances and he's not started all of those games.
You cannot even begin to think where we would be without him.
City took the lead on the stroke of half time. Earnie turned his man and fired home with his left foot.
In the second half a slip by Spencer Prior allowed Micky Stockwell to run free on Alexander and slot the ball home to make it 1 - 1. Several minutes later the teams were both down to 10 men. Kevin Rapley of Colchester and Fan Zhiyi clashed near the bye line, hand bags were drawn and Uriah Rennie brandished the red cards.
City won the game from a moment of Earnshaw magic. Another left footed strike, this time a sublime chip which was worthy to win any game.
City can now sit back as Wigan and Bristol City must follow the Bluebirds lead.
City now face Luton on Thursday (Boxing Day) another away win would be superb. Before that though we will be cheering the Hatters on as they visit Bristol City later today.
