COLCHESTER United slumped to a 2-1 home defeat to Cheltenham Town, on Saturday afternoon.

Lyle Taylor's well-taken goal proved only a consolation for Colchester, as first-half strikes either side of that from Jordan Thomas clinched the Robins' victory at the JobServe Community Stadium.

The defeat leaves Colchester in 20th position, in the League Two table.

Here are the Gazette player ratings, after a disappointing defeat for the U's.

MATT MACEY 6

Was beaten by a big deflection for Cheltenham’s winner and made a fine point-blank save to deny Miller

ROB HUNT 5

Colchester right-back really had his work cut out dealing with the impressive Archer

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

FIACRE KELLEHER 5

Had his hands full dealing with Miller before being replaced by Donnelly at half-time

TOM FLANAGAN 5

U’s skipper saw Thomas’s shot deflect off him in and into the net on a disappointing day

ELLIS IANDOLO 5

Was unable to prevent Thomas from scoring his first at the far post

ALEX WOODYARD 6

Put in some biting tackles in midfield before being replaced midway through the second half

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

ARTHUR READ 5

Had a quiet afternoon by his own high standards before being replaced by Anderson on the hour

JACK PAYNE 5

U’s playmaker missed a great chance over in the second half but had some good moments after playing in slightly different role

JK GORDON 5

Showed flashes of his skill but was well marshalled by the visitors’ well-organised defence

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

SAMSON TOVIDE 6

Provided the assist for Taylor’s goal and was unlucky not to win a penalty before going off injured

LYLE TAYLOR 6

U’s man of the match. Took his goal extremely well and was denied twice by goalkeeper Day in the second half

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

SUBSTITUTES

TOM HOPPER (for Tovide, 36) 5

Tried his best to get the U’s moving playing just behind Taylor but to little avail

AARON DONNELLY (for Kelleher, 46) 6

On-loan Nottingham Forest put in a solid performance after coming on at half-time

HARRY ANDERSON (for Read, 60) 5

Was contained well by the Cheltenham defence after appearing for the final half hour

JAMIE MCDONNELL (for Woodyard, 68) 5

Young midfielder attempted to get things moving for Colchester on a tough day for the hosts

MANDELA EGBO (for Hunt, 68) 5

Could do little to prevent Colchester from sliding to defeat after coming on midway through the second half

Subs (not used): Goodliffe, Smith.