COLCHESTER United drew for the fourth time in five matches after sharing the spoils at Walsall.

Callum Harriott's excellent first-half strike was cancelled out by Elijah Adebayo's equaliser in the second half, at the Banks's Stadium.

Colchester lie ninth in the table after five matches, ahead of their trip to play Carlisle United next weekend.

Here the Gazette rates the U's players, as they extended their unbeaten league run to five matches.

DEAN GERKEN 8

U's goalkeeper made fine saves from Scarr, Holden and Adebayo on 150th league appearance for U’s

MIQUEL SCARLETT 7

Was not fazed on his senior league debut after starting at right-back in place of the injured Welch-Hayes

TOMMY SMITH 8

U's man of the match. Stand-in skipper relished his tussle with Adebayo and headed and cleared everything

TOM EASTMAN 7

Made a fine goal-line clearance in the second half and was dominant in the air. Booked

COHEN BRAMALL 6

Did not meet his usual high standard but that might have been down to Walsall's strong attacking play

NOAH CHILVERS 7

U's midfielder celebrated signing his new contract with another assured display. Provided the assist for Harriott's goal

BEN STEVENSON 7

Kept the U's midfield ticking over and was industrious throughout in what was a competitive affair

COURTNEY SENIOR 6

Enjoyed some good attacking runs in the first half but faded after that and was replaced before the hour mark. Booked

KWAME POKU 6

Worried the Walsall defence at times and did his bit for the team before being replaced late on

CALLUM HARRIOTT 7

Took his first-half goal extremely well and gave the Walsall defence plenty of problems

JEVANI BROWN 7

Hit a post early on with a superb effort and worked hard for the cause, leading the attack for most of the game. Booked

SUBSTITUTES

LUKE NORRIS (for Senior, 58)

JOSHUA BOHUI (for Poku, 82)

PARIS COWAN-HALL (for Harriott, 87)

SUBSTITUTES (NOT USED): Sowunmi, Marshall-Miranda, Tovide, George.