COLCHESTER United conceded late to lose 1-0 at Milton Keynes Dons, on Boxing Day.

Substitute Ellis Harrison's 89th-minute strike from Jack Payne's free-kick secured the hosts victory and condemned the U's to a sixth defeat in seven matches, in League Two.

Here are the Gazette player ratings, following a disappointing defeat for Matty Etherington's side.

OWEN GOODMAN 7

U’s goalkeeper made some impressive saves including an impressive double stop to deny Gilbey early on

MANDELA EGBO 5

Limped off with a knee injury after 23 minutes and was replaced by Tom Dallison

ZACH MITCHELL 7

U’s man of the match. Made some key interventions in vital areas including a brilliant challenge on Dean

Gazette:

CONNOR HALL 7

U’s captain produced a solid defensive performance before being withdrawn in the final stages

ELLIS IANDOLO 6

Continued his return from a long-term injury by completing nearly 70 minutes in a competent display

CAMERON MCGEEHAN 6

Worked hard for the team in midfield on a testing away day for Colchester

Gazette:

ARTHUR READ 6

Typically tenacious and hard working performance by the Colchester midfielder. Booked

NOAH CHILVERS 5

Found it difficult to carve out clearcut goalscoring opportunities for the visitors

CHAY COOPER 5

Played in a left-sided role on his return to the Colchester starting line-up and got in some decent positions

Gazette:

JAYDEN FEVRIER 5

Showed some of his mesmerising skill at times but was generally well marshalled by the hosts

JOE TAYLOR 5

Was an isolated figure at times in attack and missed a decent opportunity in the second half

SUBSTITUTES

TOM DALLISON (for Egbo, 24) 7

Made a brilliant intervention in the first half to divert Dean's goalbound effort away after coming on

AL-AMIN KAZEEM (for Iandolo, 69) 5

Fired a great chance over the bar from a good position in the final stages after coming on at left wing-back

JOHN AKINDE (for Taylor, 69) 6

Was unlucky not to score a last-gasp equaliser when his effort was saved by goalkeeper MacGillivray

WILL GREENIDGE (for Hall, 83)

TOM HOPPER (for Cooper, 83)

Substitutes (not used): Jay, Hornby.