Colchester United kept their play-off hopes alive with a 1-0 win over Grimsby Town, on Good Friday.

Frank Nouble's first-half strike was enough to give the U's all three points against the Mariners, at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Colchester are now two points off the play-offs in League Two, with three games remaining.

The Gazette's U's reporter Jonathan Waldron rates the players, following their home win.

DILLON BARNES 7

Had very little to do but will be pleased with his clean sheet on return to the team

RYAN JACKSON 7

Produced another solid display at right-back and added something to the U’s attack. Booked

TOM EASTMAN 8

Hardly put a foot wrong on his 300th league appearance; had a first-half header cleared off the line

FRANKIE KENT 8

U’s stand-in skipper was impressive throughout and was unlucky not to score with a great overhead kick

KANE VINCENT-YOUNG 7

Played his part in the U’s win and clean sheet and helped to contain Grimsby’s attacking threat

SAM SAUNDERS 8

U’s man of the match. Showed all of his experience throughout and displayed a fine passing range

TOM LAPSLIE 7

Never stopped battling for the U’s cause and produced yet another determined display. Booked

COURTNEY SENIOR 7

Was unlucky not to score when his shot came back off a post but also blazed a good chance over

SAMMIE SZMODICS 8

Never stopped working for his side and provided the vital unselfish assist for Nouble’s winning goal

BRENNAN DICKENSON 8

Denied by McKeown early on; gave the Grimsby defence plenty to think about with a committed display

FRANK NOUBLE 8

Took his goal well for his ninth of the season and caused Grimsby skipper Collins plenty of problems as U’s main forward

SUBSTITUTES

MIKAEL MANDRON (for Dickenson, 70) 7

Was effective in the air when he came on giving Grimsby something different to think about

ABO EISA (for Senior, 79) 7

Was lively when he came on and fired into the side netting in the closing stages

BEN STEVENSON (for Szmodics, 90)

SUBSTITUTES (NOT USED): Kensdale, Chilvers, Norris, Ross.