Colchester United player ratings after Stevenage defeat

Rene Gilmartin's fifth-minute own goal and Danny Newton's close-range strike put the visitors in control, in the Boxing Day clash.

And although skipper Luke Prosser pulled a goal back with seven minutes remaining for the U's, it was not enough to salvage a draw for John McGreal's side in front of their biggest home crowd of the season.

Here are the Gazette ratings after the U's slipped to a surprise home loss.

RENE GILMARTIN 6

Was unfortunate with the manner of Stevenage’s first goal but struggled with his kicking.

TOM EASTMAN 7

Had a hand in the U’s consolation goal and was solid at the back throughout.

FRANKIE KENT 6

Had a testing opening 45 minutes before being replaced at half-time. Booked

LUKE PROSSER 7

U’s man of the match. Was in the right place at the right time to score the U’s consolation goal. Booked

RYAN JACKSON 6

U’s right-back was always an outlet in attack and defended solidly. Booked

HARRY PELL 7

Was unlucky not to score in the first half and never stopped trying for his side.

TOM LAPSLIE 7

Was his usual tenacious self before being taken off midway through the second half

FRANK NOUBLE 7

Was denied by Farman’s brilliant save in first-half stoppage-time and worried the visitors' defence.

BRENNAN DICKENSON 7

A lively customer at left wing-back in the first half; provided the corner that led to Prosser goal.

SAMMIE SZMODICS 7

Had a bullet shot pushed away by Farman late in the first half and looked lively throughout.

LUKE NORRIS 6

Went close either side of half-time before being taken off in the second half.

SUBSTITUTES

KANE VINCENT-YOUNG (for Kent, 46) 6

Slotted in tidily at left-back after U’s switched to a flat back four.

COURTNEY SENIOR (for Lapslie, 66) 7

Looked lively after coming on and worried the visitors’ defence

MIKAEL MANDRON (for Norris, 74) 7

unlucky to see his header come back off a post soon after coming on.

SUBSTITUTES (NOT USED): Kensdale, Comley, Gondoh, Barnes.