Colchester United player ratings after beating Newport

Jay Mingi struck the U's winner in stoppage-time, after Ellis Iandolo had cancelled out Zanzala's opener for the Exiles.

Here are the Gazette player ratings after Danny Cowley's side claimed a vital win, in their battle to beat the drop.

OWEN GOODMAN 7

Will perhaps be disappointed with the manner of Newport’s goal but made a great save to deny Palmer-Holden

JAY MINGI 8

U’s man of the match. Capped another excellent performance with a brilliant winning goal

TOM DALLISON 7

Put in a solid performance in central defence before being replaced just before the hour

CONNOR HALL 7

U’s skipper will probably be frustrated with the nature of Newport’s goal but helped his side recover to win

ARTHUR READ 8

Produced an impressive all-round midfield display and seemed to cover every blade of grass

ALISTAIR SMITH 8

Was so unlucky not to score with a shot that rattled the upright and was also denied by Townsend

JAYDEN FEVRIER 7

Was positive with his running and directness and worked hard in demanding wing-back role

HARRY ANDERSON 8

Provided the pass that led to Mingi’s all-important winner and was a threat throughout

CAMERON MCGEEHAN 7

Supplied the corner that led to Iandolo’s equaliser; battled hard for the cause

JOHN AKINDE 7

Experienced striker was twice denied by keeper Townsend on his return to the U’s starting line-up

BRADLEY IHIONVIEN 7

Was unlucky not to get a headed effort on target and was lively before being replaced just before the hour

SUBSTITUTES

ELLIS IANDOLO (for Dallison, 55) 8

Scored his first-ever U’s goal at a crucial time and hardly put a foot wrong after coming on

SAMSON TOVIDE (for Ihionvien, 56) 7

Gave the Newport plenty to think about after coming off the bench and made an impact. Booked

NOAH CHILVERS (for Smith, 72)

TOM HOPPER (for Akinde, 72)

FIACRE KELLEHER (for Fevrier, 90)

Subs (not used): Jay, Hornby.