Colchester United lost at Barrow in Sky Bet League Two

Goals in the closing stages of each half from Kian Spence and substitute Sam Foley inflicted defeat on the U’s, who now lie just two points above the League Two relegation zone with 11 games remaining.

Here are the Gazette player ratings, following a disappointing defeat at Holker Street.

OWEN GOODMAN 5

U’s keeper denied Spence early in the second half and had little chance with Barrow’s two goals

MANDELA EGBO 5

Was forced off with a worrying knee injury before half-time on his first start since Boxing Day

TOM DALLISON 6

Was generally a solid performer at the heart of the Colchester defence against decent Barrow side

CONNOR HALL 6

U’s skipper generally dealt well with Barrow front two in tricky conditions. Booked

JAYDEN RICHARDSON 5

Enjoyed some enterprising runs early on before being taken off before the hour. Booked

HARRY ANDERSON 5

Started as a left wing-back on return to the side before being replaced just before the hour

ALISTAIR SMITH 5

Battled hard in midfield but to no avail and was replaced with 17 minutes remaining

ARTHUR READ 5

Was given little opportunity to make an impact in midfield on his return to the team

NOAH CHILVERS 6

U’s man of the match. Tried hard to make things happen and worked hard for the cause

CAMERON MCGEEHAN 6

Saw his low long-range effort pushed away by Farman in the second half

TOM HOPPER 6

Was tireless in his running and endeavour but seldom looked like scoring for the U’s

SUBSTITUTES

RILEY HARBOTTLE (for Egbo, 38) 6

Was harshly penalised for the free-kick that led to Barrow’s opener and enjoyed some good forward runs

BRAD IHIONVIEN (for Anderson, 59) 6

Got into some decent positions as the clock ticked down but could not muster an equaliser

JAYDEN FEVRIER (for Richardson, 59) 6

Gave the Barrow defence plenty to think about in the final half hour but with ultimately no reward

MATT JAY (for Smith, 73)

JOHN AKINDE (for Hopper, 73)

Subs (not used): Mingi, Hornby.