Colchester United player ratings after Stevenage defeat

Goals either side of half-time from Jamie Reid and Luke Norris condemned the U's to defeat, at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Colchester's defeat leaves them eight points above the League Two relegation zone, with five games remaining.

Here are the Gazette player ratings, following a hugely disappointing defeat for Wayne Brown's side.

SHAMAL GEORGE 5

U's keeper made a fine save to deny Read before Stevenage opener but was beaten twice

CAMERON COXE 6

Enjoyed a good tussle with Ben Coker and made some energetic attacking runs but ended up on the losing side

LUKE CHAMBERS 5

U's skipper headed a decent chance wide early on for the hosts in a disappointing defeat

TOM EASTMAN 5

Had his work cut out dealing with the threat of Norris and List on a day to forget for Colchester. Booked

MYLES KENLOCK 5

U's left-back had a difficult afternoon at times and was rarely seen as an attacking outlet. Booked

COLE SKUSE 6

Was effective in the opening 20 minutes but picked up a couple of knocks and was eventually replaced

BRENDAN WIREDU 6

U's man of the match. On a day where Colchester were out fought, the combative midfielder at least provided some grit and desire. Booked

NOAH CHILVERS 6

Went close on several occasions throughout the 90 minutes and hit a post in the second half

ALAN JUDGE 5

Fired a first-time effort over early on in the match on a frustrating afternoon for the U's

TYREIK WRIGHT 5

Aston Villa loanee showed flashes of his skill on his return to the side before being taken off early in the second half

FREDDIE SEARS 5

A frustrating afternoon for the U's leading scorer who had an effort incorrectly ruled out and also hit a post

SUBSTITUTES

JOHN AKINDE (for Wright, 49) 5

Will feel he should have earned his side a penalty late on after going down under Vancooten's challenge in the area

CORIE ANDREWS (for Skuse, 79)

Substitutes (not used): Smith, Welch-Hayes, Tchamadeu, Huws, Hornby.