COLCHESTER United had to settle for a share of the spoils after drawing 1-1 at Macclesfield Town.

Theo Robinson's poacher's goal just before the break secured the U's a point at Moss Rose, after Emmanuel Osadebe had put the Silkmen ahead.

The draw means Colchester remain two points off the League Two play-offs.

The Gazette's Colchester United reporter Jon Waldron rates the U's players, following their draw in Cheshire.

DEAN GERKEN 8

Made superb first-half saves to deny Gnahoua and Archibald and was competent throughout

TOM EASTMAN 8

U’s man of the match. Provided the cross for Robinson’s goal and was superb defensively again

OMAR SOWUNMI 7

Grew into the contest on his first league start for the U’s and finished strongly

LUKE PROSSER 6

U’s skipper had a shaky start like others but improved in the second half

PARIS COWAN-HALL 6

Started as a right wing-back for the U’s and got better as the game progressed

TOM LAPSLIE 7

Put in a typically committed shift for his side and never stopped grafting throughout

BRANDON COMLEY 7

Always looked calm and composed on and off the ball to continue his good recent form

COHEN BRAMALL 6

Was utilised as a left wing-back and had a tough battle against Archibald but set-pieces were good

BRENDAN WIREDU 5

Just behind the front two but seemed to be suffering with a virus before being taken off at the break

THEO ROBINSON 7

In the right place at the right time for his goal and almost scored again in second half

FRANK NOUBLE 6

Produced another battling performance for the U’s on the back of his fine display against Spurs

SUBSTITUTES

COURTNEY SENIOR (for Wiredu, 46) 7

Added pace to the U’s attack in the second half after coming on in a central role

BEN STEVENSON (for Cowan-Hall, 74) 6

LUKE NORRIS (for Nouble, 77) 6

SUBSTITUTES (NOT USED): Chilvers, Gambin, Brown, Ross.