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.