A late equaliser from Dave Worrall denied Colchester United all three points in their 2-2 draw at Port Vale, on Saturday afternoon.
Courtney Senior gave the U's a 12th-minute lead and although Worrall cancelled it out, Drey Wright restored their advantage on the stroke of half-time.
However, Worrall diverted in Luke Hannant's low shot with three minutes remaining to ensure a share of the spoils.
The result sees Colchester cut the gap between themselves and the play-off places to four points in the League Two table and John McGreal’s men host Newport County, next weekend.
Here, Colchester United reporter Jonathan Waldron rates the players following the 2-2 draw on the road:
SAM WALKER 7
U’s keeper made good saves to deny efforts from Tonge, Kay and Forrester.
RYAN JACKSON 6
Produced a couple of impressive attacking runs but spent a lot of the second half defending.
TOM EASTMAN 8
U’s man of the match. Seemed to win every header and made some vital blocks.
FRANKIE KENT 7
Enjoyed his tussle with Pope and was brave and committed in his defensive play.
KANE VINCENT-YOUNG 6
U’s left-back had his work cut out dealing with the impressive Worrall. Booked.
DREY WRIGHT 7
Deserved his goal which he took very well and also had a hand in Senior’s opener.
SEAN MURRAY 7
Provided the assist Senior’s goal; switched to a right-midfield role when Comley came on.
TOM LAPSLIE 7
U’s skipper produced a captain’s performance and managed the game well.
COURTNEY SENIOR 7
Capped his first-ever league start with a goal and showed flashes of his skill.
SAMMIE SZMODICS 7
Provided the vital assit for Wright on his 100th career appearance for the U’s.
MIKAEL MANDRON 6
Had a couple of headed efforts in the first half before being replaced late on.
SUBSTITUTES
BRANDON COMLEY (for Senior, 63) 6
Kept possession well after coming on but could not prevent Vale’s equaliser.
LUKE PROSSER (for Wright, 77) 6
U’s skipper was unable to help his side see out victory at his old club.
KURTIS GUTHRIE (for Mandron, 81) 5
Had little time to make an impact on the game after coming off the bench.
SUBSTITUTES (NOT USED): Kpekawa, Issa, Ogedi-Uzokwe, Gilmartin.
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