Four goals, a clean sheet and three points on the road made it a happy day for Colchester United as they travelled to Northampton Town in League Two.

It was a superb team performance, but how did the players rate individually?

Here, Gazette Sport writer Simon Spurgeon gives his verdict on the U's players after a productive day on the road.

RENE GILMARTIN 9

Some stunning stops at vital moments from the U’s goalkeeper and man of the match were as crucial to their success as the four goals at the other end

RYAN JACKSON 7

Disciplined in defence as clean sheet was maintained and an ever willing runner going forward

KANE VINCENT-YOUNG 8

Showed some mature composure when scoring the U’s third goal in impressive display

LUKE PROSSER 7

U’s skipper was predictably stoic against a lively Cobblers forward line and deserved the clean sheet

FRANKIE KENT 7

An assured performance on his return to the starting line-up helped contribute towards the shut-out

COURTNEY SENIOR 8

Was lively going forward and a key part of an effective forward unit that was excellent on the counter-attack

HARRY PELL 7

Saw his late penalty saved but did a solid job of battling against a threatening Northampton midfield

BEN STEVENSON 8

Stepped straight into the side after returning to the club and provided a pinpoint corner kick that led to the U’s opening goal

FRANK NOUBLE 7

Scored a well-taken goal from a corner that gave Colchester a crucial lead and put a lid on Northampton’s strong start

MIKAEL MANDRON 6

Spearheaded first-half attack but a hamstring strain saw him substituted at half-time. Booked

SAMMIE SZMODICS 9

Ran Gilmartin close for man of the match award with a typically strong display. Took his goal extremely well and a selfless assist set up one for Eisa

SUBSTITUTES

ABO EISA (for Mandron, 45) - 8

BRENNAN DICKENSON (for Senior 65) - 8

CALLUM ROBERTS (for Szmodics 81) - 7

NOT USED: Barnes, Comley, Lapslie, Eastman