COLCHESTER United were beaten 2-0 at home by Newport County, on Saturday afternoon.

The U's are now just seven points above the League Two drop zone, after goals from Joss Labadie and Padraig Amond sealed the Exiles victory.

Wayne Brown's side are next in action on Tuesday night, when they travel to play Harrogate Town (kick-off 7pm).

Here are the Gazette player ratings, following another disappointing home defeat for Colchester.

SHAMAL GEORGE 6

Had little chance of saving either goals and did well to deny Maynard early on

JUNIOR TCHAMADEU 5

Teenager switched back to right-back having played in a left-sided role against Carlisle

TOM EASTMAN 6

Was dominant in the air but could do little to prevent another home loss

TOMMY SMITH 6

U’s stand-in skipper tried to lift his side throughout but to little avail

RYAN CLAMPIN 5

Had some good moments but conceded the free-kick that led to Newport’s second goal

BRENDAN WIREDU 7

U’s man of the match. Showed maturity in midfielder and relished his tussle with Labadie

NOAH CHILVERS 7

Tried hard to make things happen on a disappointing day for the U’s

MICHAEL FOLIVI 5

Had little joy against an organised Newport defence before being replaced

CALLUM HARRIOTT 5

Saw his goalbound effort cleared by Dolan late on; played in a central berth

ARAMIDE OTEH 5

U’s loanee was replaced on the hour mark after playing in a wide role

FRANK NOUBLE 5

Sent off against his old club after picking up two bookings in quick succession

SUBSTITUTES

JEVANI BROWN (for Oteh, 61) 6

COURTNEY SENIOR (for Folivi, 61) 5

OMAR SOWUNMI (for Clampin, 79)

HARVEY SAYER (for Harriott, 90)

Subs (not used): Welch-Hayes, Cowan-Hall, Coulter.