Colchester United secured a 3-1 win over Crawley Town, on Saturday afternoon.

First-half goals from Sammie Szmodics, Ryan Jackson and Mikael Mandron set the U's on their way to claiming all three points at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, with Jimmy Smith scoring the Reds' consolation.

The result sees Colchester move up to 14th in the League Two table, and John McGreal’s men host Chesterfield, on Tuesday night.

Here, Colchester United reporter Jonathan Waldron rates the players following their impressive 3-1 win at the Community Stadium.

SAM WALKER 8

Made a great penalty save along with producing two other vital stops in the second half.

TOM EASTMAN 7

Solid performance by the U's central defender; relished getting forward and helping in attack.

RYAN INNISS 8

New U's loanee made his presence felt immediately in central defence but gave away a debatable penalty.

FRANKIE KENT 7

Provided the assist for Mandron’s goal and defended well before going off with a heel problem at half-time.

RYAN JACKSON 8

U’s man of the match. Bagged his first U’s goal and had a hand in the lead-up to Szmodics’ strike.

TOM LAPSLIE 7

Another tenacious and hard-working performance by the U’s skipper. Booked.

BRANDON COMLEY 7

Young midfielder looked assured and comfortable on the ball on his U’s debut.

LEWIS KINSELLA 7

Produced a committed display at left wing-back and almost scored before being withdrawn in second half. Booked.

SAMMIE SZMODICS 8

Took his early goal extremely well and provided assist for Jackson’s strike.

NICKE KABAMBA 7

Won his fair share of headers and kept possession well on his U’s debut.

MIKAEL MANDRON 7

Will be pleased to have scored his second U’s goal; effective in both boxes.

SUBSTITUTES

CAMERON JAMES (for Kent, 46) 6

Enjoyed some good moments but also looked a bit shaky at times at the back.

KANE VINCENT-YOUNG (for Kinsella, 57) 7

Slotted in well at left wing-back and delivered a couple of fine crosses in final half hour.

DREY WRIGHT (for Kabamba, 70) 6

Provided some extra energy in the U’s attack in closing stages against tiring Crawley defence.

SUBSTITUTES (NOT USED): O’Sullivan, Hanlan, Odelusi, Gilmartin.