COLCHESTER United were beaten 1-0 at home by Stockport County, in Ben Garner's first game in charge.

The U's fell to defeat at the JobServe Community Stadium, after Kyle Wootton bagged the Hatters' winner with a first-half header.

Here are the Gazette player ratings, following a fourth successive league defeat.

KIERAN O’HARA 6

U’s goalkeeper denied Collar and Wootton and had plenty of the ball in possession

CONNOR HALL 7

Did his defensive work well and also lent his support in attack at times

FIACRE KELLEHER 7

Was unfortunate not to earn a penalty late on and defender well. Booked

Gazette:

LUKE CHAMBERS 7

U’s skipper relished his tussle with Stockport’s attackers on return to the side

JUNIOR TCHAMADEU 7

Almost won a penalty after ten seconds and provided some good deliveries

CONNOR WOOD 6

Went close with a first-time effort in the second half before being replaced

Gazette:

OSSAMA ASHLEY 7

U’s man of the match. Went close with a deflected first-half effort and battled hard

NOAH CHILVERS 6

Had plenty of the ball after being deployed in a deeper position

ALEX NEWBY 6

Showed glimpses of his skill after making his first U’s start in four months

MATT JAY 6

Tried hard to make things happen in attack on a disappointing day for the U’s

Gazette:

TOM HOPPER 6

Seemed to enjoy his battle with Horsfall and went close in the second half

SUBSTITUTES

JAYDEN FEVRIER (for Wood, 70) 6

Was positive in his running including a darting run that led to a late booking for Johnson

FREDDIE SEARS (for Newby, 76)

EMYR HUWS (for Ashley, 76)

JOHN AKINDE (for Jay, 82)

Subs (not used): Greenidge, Miranda, Smith.