COLCHESTER United moved to within a point of the League Two play-off places following a 3-1 triumph over Stevenage.

Second-half goals from Tom Eastman, Frank Nouble and Kwame Poku gave the U's all three points at the JobServe Community Stadium, cancelling out Jason Cowley's first-half deflected strike for the visitors.

The Gazette's Colchester United writer Jonathan Waldron rates the U's players' performances, following their home win.

DEAN GERKEN 7

Made a vital clearance early on and had little chance with Stevenage’s deflected goal

RYAN JACKSON 7

U’s right-back was a regular outlet in attack on his return and defended well

TOM EASTMAN 8

U’s man of the match. Scored the U’s equaliser and was superb once again

LUKE PROSSER 7

U’s skipper grew in stature after a bit of a shaky start and led the line well

COHEN BRAMALL 7

Provided a lot of attacking ammunition on the left particularly in the second half

BRANDON COMLEY 7

Kept things ticking over for the U’s in midfield and seldom gave away possession

BEN STEVENSON 8

Was a driving midfield force for the U’s with his incisive and positive passing

FRANK NOUBLE 8

Impressed on the wing; won and scored a penalty and then set up Poku’s goal

KWAME POKU 8

Always looked dangerous on his return to the side and was rewarded with a late goal

THEO ROBINSON 8

Provided fine cross for Eastman’s header and did well in the build-up to Nouble’s penalty award. Booked

LUKE NORRIS 7

Hit a post with a free-kick and also twice came close to scoring in first half

SUBSTITUTES

LUKE GAMBIN (for Stevenson, 76)

BRENDAN WIREDU (for Norris, 75)

JEVANI BROWN (for Nouble, 86)

SUBSTITUTES (NOT USED): Sowunmi, Chilvers, Lapslie, Ross.