COLCHESTER United were beaten 1-0 at Birmingham City to bow out of the Carabao Cup at the first-round stage, on Tuesday night.
Marcel Oakley's 75th-minute strike proved the difference between the two sides, following a close contest at St Andrew's.
Here Gazette sports writer Jon Waldron rates the U's players' performances after they bowed out of the cup against Championship opposition.
SHAMAL GEORGE 7
U's keeper made a good save to deny McGree and had little chance with the goal
MILES WELCH-HAYES 7
Put in a competent display as U's right-sided centre-back in his first start of the season
TOM EASTMAN 7
Was unlucky to deflect in Oakley's fierce shot for Blues' winner and was solid throughout
TOMMY SMITH 7
U's captain led his side well as usual and helped keep the hosts' attack largely contained
RYAN CLAMPIN 7
U's left wing-back produced another energetic display and got forward well
CAMERON COXE 7
Was desperately unlucky not to grab a last-gasp equaliser when his late effort clattered the woodwork
COLE SKUSE 8
Impressed in midfield and helped to snuff out a lot of Birmingham's creative threat before coming off
BRENDAN WIREDU 7
Was his typical combative self in the U's midfield. Booked
NOAH CHILVERS 7
Was effective in a more advanced role in his first start of the season
SYLVESTER JASPER 8
U's man of the match. Came agonisingly close to scoring and dazzled on his first start for the U’s
FRANK NOUBLE 7
Produced a typically hard-working display but had few glimpses of goal before being replaced
SUBSTITUTES
GENE KENNEDY (for Skuse, 67)
Had a sniff of goal in stoppage-time after coming on for his senior U's debut. Booked
FREDDIE SEARS (for Nouble, 72)
Looked lively after coming off the bench and worried the Birmingham defence in closing stages
ALAN JUDGE (for Jasper, 82)
Made a difference after coming off the bench and set up Coxe's chance that hit the woodwork
Subs (not used): Beadle, Tchamadeu, Tovide, Turner.
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