COLCHESTER United were beaten 2-0 at Tranmere Rovers to slide to a second successive defeat, on Friday night.

The hosts were deserved winners at Prenton Park, extending the U's winless run in League Two to four matches.

Here are the Gazette ratings, following a disappointing night under the lights for Hayden Mullins' side.

SHAMAL GEORGE 7

Made good saves to deny Davies and Nevitt and had little chance with either Tranmere goal on return to home-town club

CAMERON COXE 5

U's right-back had a tough time dealing with Tranmere's threat down the flank

TOM EASTMAN 6

Won the majority of his aerial duels and was pretty solid on his return to the team

LUKE CHAMBERS 6

Stand-in skipper had his work cut out dealing with the lively Nevitt

RYAN CLAMPIN 6

Had to exercise caution for most of the match after an early yellow card, on his first start since mid-August. Booked

COLE SKUSE 7

U's man of the match. Hardly put a foot wrong throughout and made all the right decisions

BRENDAN WIREDU 6

Was typically tenacious on return to side and covered plenty of ground

LUKE HANNANT 5

Only showed glimpses of his quality on return to team before being replaced midway through the second half

ALAN JUDGE 5

Tried hard to make things happen before being replaced at the midway point of the second half

FREDDIE SEARS 5

Was twice denied by goalkeeper Doohan either side of half-time

FRANK NOUBLE 5

Had little joy against a watertight Tranmere back four marshalled superbly by Clarke. Booked.

SUBSTITUTES

SYLVESTER JASPER (for Hannant, 66) 6

NOAH CHILVERS (for Judge, 66) 6

SAMSON TOVIDE (for Nouble, 88)

Subs (not used): Tchamadeu, Kennedy, Cooper, Turner.