COLCHESTER United suffered a frustrating 1-0 defeat at the hands of Crawley Town, on Saturday afternoon.

Jack Payne's 22nd-minute strike proved the difference between the two sides, at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Here are the Gazette ratings after Colchester suffered a defeat which leaves them 16th, in League Two.

SHAMAL GEORGE 8

U’s man of the match. Colchester keeper several good saves and had little chance with Payne’s goal

CAMERON COXE 7

Colchester right-back battled hard but was unable to get forward as much as he would have liked

TOM EASTMAN 7

Long-serving defender was his usual consistent self on his return to the team

TOMMY SMITH 7

Colchester skipper was dominant in the air and made some good blocks

CHARLIE DANIELS 6

Provided yet more quality set-pieces but will perhaps be disappointed with the nature of Crawley's winner

COLE SKUSE 6

Was once again a calming presence in midfield on a disappointing day for Colchester

BRENDAN WIREDU 7

Another all-action display from the combative midfielder before being replaced. Went close with an acrobatic effort early on. Booked

SYLVESTER JASPER 7

Enjoyed an electric start but faded after that and was well shackled by the Crawley defence in the second half

ALAN JUDGE 6

Was unlucky not to score in the opening minutes and tried hard to provide a creative spark

FREDDIE SEARS 6

Went close early on for Colchester but had little service in the second half

FRANK NOUBLE 6

Was generally marshalled well by the Crawley defence but was given little by the referee

SUBSTITUTES

ARMANDO DOBRA (for Wiredu, 66) 7

NOAH CHILVERS (for Jasper, 82)

LUKE HANNANT (for Coxe, 89)

Subs (not used): Clampin, Tchamadeu, Tovide, Turner.