Colchester United picked up a well-deserved point at Notts County in their League Two curtain-raiser, on Saturday afternoon.

The U's kicked off the season with an impressive all-round display at Meadow Lane, where they had lost on their previous eight visits.

Tom Eastman came closest to breaking the deadlock in the contest when his curled effort came back off the crossbar, in the second half.

Here, the Daily Gazette's Colchester United reporter Jonathan Waldron rates the players following the 0-0 draw.

DILLON BARNES 7

Pulled off a good second-half save to deny Thomas and also foiled Boldewijn early on.

TOM EASTMAN 8

Hit the bar with a great shot and seemed to relish his tussle with former Ipswich team-mate Stead.

LUKE PROSSER 8

U’s man of the match. The skipper’s last-ditch tackle on Hemmings early in second half epitomised his side’s attitude.

FRANKIE KENT 8

Was typically unflustered throughout and produced an assured performance at the back.

RYAN JACKSON 8

Got forward well from right wing-back and regularly contributed to the U’s attack. Booked.

HARRY PELL 7

Colchester’s debutant midfielder always made time for himself on the ball. Booked.

TOM LAPSLIE 8

Gave County’s midfield little time to play and relished his tussle with former U’s loanee Hewitt.

BRENNAN DICKENSON 7

Worked hard for the team in both defence and attack and competed well throughout.

SAMMIE SZMODICS 7

Always hungry and eager for the ball and got into some good attacking positions.

AARON COLLINS 7

Showed good footwork at times and often had the beating of the County defence

FRANK NOUBLE 8

Was unlucky not to score in the first half with a glancing header and worked tirelessly up front.

SUBSTITUTES

MIKAEL MANDRON (for Collins, 75) 6

Was unlucky not to score with a header and made his presence felt after coming on.

SUBSTITUTES (NOT USED): A Barnes, Wright, Comley, Senior, Norris, Ross.