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.