Colchester United were left gutted as Luke Waterfall's stoppage time headed goal saw them leave Lincoln City with no points on Saturday.

It was a tough finish for the U's after they had created chances throughout the game at Sincil Bank, but they were left to rue not taking them.

Here, the Gazette's Simon Spurgeon rates the performances of the U's players used by manager John McGreal against the Imps.

SAM WALKER 6

In his 200th league appearance for Colchester, would have been disappointed to concede the late goal, but made a superb early stop from Whitehouse.

RYAN JACKSON 6

Showed early promise getting forward, but gave away the penalty that led to Lincoln’s opener.

TOM EASTMAN 6

Dealt well with the robust presence of Lincoln’s forward line and had one stunning clearance when a goal looked certain under pressure from Rhead.

LUKE PROSSER 6

U’s skipper had his work cut out organising the back line against a physical Imps attacking unit.

KANE VINCENT-YOUNG 5

Worked hard to shut out Lincoln threats from wide areas but wasn’t able to press far up the pitch.

BRANDON COMLEY 5

Grafted in a tight midfield to shield the back line, but Imps pressing meant forward play was limited.

DREY WRIGHT 7

Was effective in linking play up from midfield into forward areas especially in the first half.

SEAN MURRAY 6

Did well on his first start since late February and was a combative presence in the U’s midfield.

BEN STEVENSON 7

Typically composed on the ball and was unlucky not to score early on with a chipped effort.

OLAMIDE SHODIPO 6

Looked most likely to open U’s scoring early on but influence waned and was substituted before the hour.

MICKAEL MANDRON 7

U’s man-of-the-match after a lively game up front. Excellent play in providing the assist for Senior’s goal and unlucky to see a strike ruled out late on for offside.

SUBSTITUTES

COURTNEY SENIOR (for Shodipo 56) 7

Had an immediate impact off the bench and took his goal well.

SAMMIE SZMODICS (for Murray 68) 7

Looked lively after coming on and had chances but unable to convert them.

JUNIOR OGEDI-UZOKWE (for Comley 89) 5