Port Vale lead Colchester United at half time courtesy of Doug Loft's goal.
The home side took the lead after 15 minutes through Loft's strike, after Daniel Jones found space down the right before crossing for the midfielder to fire home.
Vale almost doubled their advantage shortly after, when Jordan Hugill raced onto a through-ball, though he couldn't keep his effort down to test Sam Walker.
Colchester's best chance fell to Dominic Vose, who pulled off a fine piece of skill before curling a shot just wide of the far post.
