Colchester United fell to a disappointing 1-0 defeat at the hands of Carlisle United on Saturday afternoon.

A second-half strike from Jamie Devitt gave the Cumbrians all three points at the Weston Homes Community Stadium and condemned the U’s to their first league defeat in four matches.

The result sees Colchester slip to 14th in the League Two table, and John McGreal’s men travel to play Newport County, on Tuesday night.

Here, Colchester United reporter Jonathan Waldron rates the players in the disappointing 1-0 defeat:

SAM WALKER 6

Had little to do apart from pick the ball out of the net after Carlisle’s winner.

TOM EASTMAN 6

Put in a decent performance on his return to Colchester’s starting line-up.

FRANKIE KENT 6

U’s skipper helped keep Carlisle’s front men quiet but still ended up on losing side.

COLE KPEKAWA 6

Was solid enough on his first league start for Colchester in nearly two months.

RYAN JACKSON 7

U’s man of the match. Was full of attacking zest and long throw proved a weapon.

SEAN MURRAY 6

Was unlucky not to score for third successive game after being denied by Bonham.

DOUG LOFT 6

Was an influential presence in the first half but had less impact after the break.

DREY WRIGHT 6

Worked hard for the team in different areas and was denied a late equaliser by Bonham.

KYEL REID 6

Was denied by Bonham in the opening stages and played on both flanks.

MIKAEL MANDRON 6

Had his moments but was well marshalled by Carlisle’s two centre-backs.

BRANDON HANLAN 6

Showed good strength and worked hard but missed two decent chances.

SUBSTITUTES

CRAIG SLATER (for Hanlon, 67) 5

Was unable to help Colchester muster the equaliser they craved in the final quarter of the match.

SANMI ODELUSI (for Loft, 78) 6

Showed good energy and desire in the minutes he was on the pitch.

NICKE KABAMBA (for Reid, 83) 5

Was well marshalled by the watertight Carlisle defence in the final few minutes.

SUBSTITUTES (NOT USED): James, Lapslie, Comley, Gilmartin.