Colchester United were beaten 3-1 by Notts County, on Saturday afternoon.
After Drey Wright had given the U's an early lead, second-half goals from Jonathan Forte, Shola Ameobi and Richard Duffy gave the Magpies all three points at the Weston Homes Community Stadium and condemned the U’s to a second successive home loss.
The result leaves Colchester six points off the play-off places in League Two with three games to go and John McGreal’s men travel to play eighth-placed Lincoln City, next weekend.
Here, the Daily Gazette's Colchester United reporter Jonathan Waldron rates the players following the home defeat.

SAM WALKER 6

Will be disappointed to have conceded three times after half-time following a comfortable first half.

RYAN JACKSON 6

Had a solid first half but was part of a defence that conceded three times after the break.

TOM EASTMAN 6

Hit a post with a header just before Notts County struck back three times.

LUKE PROSSER 7

U’s skipper had an excellent first half but could not prevent Notts County’s second-half revival.

KANE VINCENT-YOUNG 6

Was denied by Collin in the first half but beaten for Duffy’s headed third.

DREY WRIGHT 7

U’s man of the match. Took his goal really well and was also denied by Collin.

BRANDON COMLEY 6

Was a good performer in the first half but had less influence in midfield after the break.

BEN STEVENSON 7

Provided the pass for Wright’s opener and impressed in the first half.

OLAMIDE SHODIPO 7

QPR loanee looked lively on his first-ever U’s start especially in the first half.

SAMMIE SZMODICS 6

Was well marshalled by the County defence after making a bright start.

MIKAEL MANDRON 6

Was twice denied by Collin in the first half but less influential after half-time.

SUBSTITUTES

COURTNEY SENIOR (for Szmodics, 72) 5

Looked positive in possession after coming on but could not help U’s salvage anything.

JUNIOR OGEDI-UZOKWE (for Mandron, 72) 5

Gave the Notts County defence something different to think about in closing stages.

SEAN MURRAY (for Comley, 77) 5

Tried his best to lift Colchester in the final 15 minutes but to no avail.

SUBSTITUTES (NOT USED): Kent, Loft, Mandeville, Barnes.