COLCHESTER United lie three points off the League Two play-off places after a 1-1 draw at Cheltenham Town, on Saturday afternoon.

U's leading scorer Luke Norris gave them a 28th-minute lead at Whaddon Road, with his seventh goal of the season.

But Cheltenham claimed a point thanks to Conor Thomas who seored from the spot, after U's goalkeeper Dean Gerken was adjudged by referee Ben Toner to have fouled substitute Reuben Reid in the area.

Here the Gazette's Colchester United reporter Jon Waldron rates the U's players following their draw in Gloucestershire.

DEAN GERKEN 6

Was harshly penalised for the penalty but made a decent first-half save from Hussey. Booked

RYAN JACKSON 7

The U’s right-back was typically reliable and made a vital block in the area late on

TOM EASTMAN 9

U’s man of the match. Was magnificent again and supplied the assist for Norris’s goal

LUKE PROSSER 7

U’s skipper was solid throughout and won the bulk of his headers

COHEN BRAMALL 6

The pacy left-back didn’t get too many opportunities to venture forward

HARRY PELL 6

Was a fierce competitor against his old club on his first league start since August 3

BRANDON COMLEY 7

Was a tidy performer in the heart of the U’s midfield and kept things moving well

COURTNEY SENIOR 6

U’s winger gave the home defence problems but missed a glorious chance

KWAME POKU 6

Provided a fine through pass for Senior’s gilt-edged chance and had a close-range effort blocked

FRANK NOUBLE 7

Got into some good positions in the first half and worried the hosts. Booked

LUKE NORRIS 7

Took his goal very well and led the line well for the U’s throughout

SUBSTITUTES

CALLUM HARRIOTT (for Senior, 78)

LUKE GAMBIN (for Poku, 83)

TOM LAPSLIE (for Pell, 85)

SUBSTITUTES (NOT USED): Sowunmi, Clampin, Robinson, Ross.