Colchester United fell to a disappointing 3-0 defeat at Exeter City on Saturday afternoon.

Goals from Matt Jay, Lee Holmes and Nicky Law gave the Grecians all three points at St James Park and condemned the U’s to back-to-back league defeats for only the second time, this season.

The result sees Colchester slip out of the top seven in the League Two table, and John McGreal’s men host Tranmere Rovers in another crucial game, next weekend.

Here, Colchester United reporter Jonathan Waldron rates the players in the disappointing 3-0 defeat on the road:

RENE GILMARTIN 5

Was beaten on three occasions but also made some impressive stops to deny Exeter

TOM EASTMAN 5

Was given a stern test by the interplay of the likes of Holmes and Jay in the Exeter attack

LUKE PROSSER 5

Recalled U’s skipper felt he was fouled in build-up to first goal; was taken off with 20 minutes to go

FRANKIE KENT 5

Was part of a defence that conceded three times but threatened at times in the hosts’ area

RYAN JACKSON 6

Got forward to good effect but could do little prevent Colchester conceding three times

BEN STEVENSON 5

Was not lacking in effort but did not look completely fit following his groin injury

MIKAEL MANDRON 6

U’s man of the match. Came close to scoring on four occasions and never stopped working

KANE VINCENT-YOUNG 5

The U’s left wing-back had his work cut out dealing with the likes of Bowman and Taylor

SAMMIE SZMODICS 5

Had a good chance saved early in the second half and was also denied by Pym later on

COURTNEY SENIOR 5

Showed glimpses of his skill and trickery but was well marshalled by the Exeter defence

LUKE NORRIS 5

Cut a lone figure at times in the final third and did not receive enough support in attack

SUBSTITUTES

ABO EISA (for Prosser, 72) 5

On-loan winger was unable to do anything to change the outcome of the match

TODD MILLER (for Senior, 87)

SUBSTITUTES (NOT USED): Kensdale, Dickenson, Wright, Chilvers, Barnes.