Colchester United pulled further clear of the drop zone at the expense of relegation-haunted Northampton Town in a one-sided contest at Layer Road.
Northampton failed to muster a shot on target all evening, while Colchester found the target in each half via strikers Gareth Williams and Scott McGleish.
Williams, on-loan from Crystal Palace, came into the game fresh from a hat-trick against Port Vale on Saturday, and he broke the deadlock with a clinical finish.
Cobblers defender Daryl Burgess mis-kicked and Williams allowed the ball to bounce before blasting a left-footed shot into the roof of the net.
It was Williams' fifth goal in the last three matches, following on from his first-ever goal at Cheltenham two weeks ago.
Northampton enjoyed more of the ball in the second half, but without any cutting edge and the U's made the game safe when McGleish struck 14 minutes from time.
Keeper Simon Brown caught a corner from John Frain and then quickly released Williams with a long throw.
Welshmen Williams capped a strong run by squaring for McGleish, who found the back of the net with a low finish.
Colchester, since previous boss Steve Whitton departed at the end of January, have collected 14 points from a possible 18 in their last six games.
Four of these were under caretaker boss Geraint Williams, and the last two have been masterminded by new manager Phil Parkinson.
Parkinson said: "I am delighted. Once again, the commitment of my players was spot on.
"We defended very well and looked more organised at the back than on Saturday.
"These have been a massive last two games and the players have put so much effort in. Everyone should be proud of their performances.
"We know we have players who can score goals at this club, but all we need to do is keep clean sheets." Northampton caretaker boss Martin Wilkinson said: "The commitment was there, but I am disappointed that we did not test their goalkeeper all evening."