COLCHESTER United surrendered a half-time lead to lose 2-1 at Crawley Town.

Luke Prosser's header had given the U's the lead at the break, at Broadfield Stadium.

But second-half strikes from Reece Grego-Cox and Mason Bloomfield gave the Reds victory.

The defeat leaves Colchester two points off the play-off places, in League Two.

The Gazette's Colchester United reporter Jonathan Waldron rates the U's players' performances, after their disappointing League Two reverse.

DEAN GERKEN 6

Had little chance with either of the Crawley goals and made some decent stops

RYAN JACKSON 6

Was a solid performer and could do little about either of the goals conceded

TOM EASTMAN 6

Will be disappointed to have tasted defeat on his 300th league appearance for Colchester

LUKE PROSSER 7

U’s skipper took his headed goal well but could not prevent U’s loss. Booked

RYAN CLAMPIN 6

Went on some good bursting runs but had his hands full dealing with Grego-Cox

TOM LAPSLIE 7

Once again wore his heart on his sleeve for the U’s; incredibly committed

BRENDAN WIREDU 7

U’s man of the match. Impressed in the first half and unlucky not to score

COURTNEY SENIOR 6

Got into some good attacking positions but too often was unable to capitalise

FRANK NOUBLE 6

Was given close attention by the Crawley defence and little time on the ball

KWAME POKU 7

Supplied the corner that led to Prosser’s headed goal and showed plenty of skill

THEO ROBINSON 6

Was well marshalled by the Crawley defence before being replaced with 20 minutes to go

SUBSTITUTES

JEVANI BROWN (for Robinson, 70)

BEN STEVENSON (for Wiredu, 77)

LUKE NORRIS (for Senior, 81)

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