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.
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