Colchester ripped up the form book to earn a surprise 1-0 win at play-off chasing Oldham.The relegation-threatened U's had lost their previous two games, but clinched all three points thanks to Sammie Szmodics' goal and a resolute defensive display.Colchester needed only two minutes to go in front as Oldham failed to clear David Fox's corner and Szmodics drilled in the loose ball from six yards.Colchester's Tom Eastman had a shot charged down, while Danny Philliskirk's wayward header was Oldham's only effort on goal in a poor first half.Oldham had a good chance just after the break, but Mike Jones dragged his volley off target after a cross from Jonathan Forte.Home goalkeeper Jake Kean pulled off saves from Gavin Massey and Matthew Briggs and, at the other end, Colchester goalkeeper Sam Walker did well to deny Forte and Jacob Mellis.Oldham did find the net deep inside injury time, but skipper Liam Kelly's effort was ruled out for offside.