Colchester United fell to a disappointing 3-1 defeat at Stevenage on Saturday afternoon.

Sammie Szmodics gave them the lead at Broadhall Way after less than two minutes.

But goals from Kurtis Guthrie, Ben Kennedy and Emmanuel Sonupe gave the hosts all three points and condemned the U’s to their first away league defeat of the season.

The result sees Colchester slip to eighth in the League Two table, and John McGreal’s men host Crawley Town, next weekend.

Here, Colchester United reporter Jonathan Waldron rates the players in the disappointing 3-1 defeat on the road:

DILLON BARNES 6

Made a great save from Sonupe just after the break but had little chance with three goals conceded.

RYAN JACKSON 7

Provided the assist for Szmodics’ goal but had much less attacking input in the second half.

LUKE PROSSER 6

U’s skipper started well but was up against it for much of the second half. Booked.

TOM EASTMAN 6

Was part of a U’s defence that conceded from a set-piece and given a tough time by the Stevenage attack.

KANE VINCENT-YOUNG 6

Was impressive in the first half but found things more difficult after that as the U’s were pressed back.

HARRY PELL 6

Found it hard to establish his usual authority in midfield after half-time against a dominant Stevenage.

TOM LAPSLIE 6

Was his usual hard-working self but part of a Colchester midfield that was largely second best for an hour.

FRANK NOUBLE 6

Worked hard for his team once again but goal threat was largely minimal. Booked.

SAMMIE SZMODICS 7

In the right place at the right time to score early on and came close to scoring again soon after.

COURTNEY SENIOR 6

Was not afraid to run at the Stevenage defence but faded in the second half before being replaced.

LUKE NORRIS 7

U’s man of the match. Went close twice in the first half and keeper Dieng denied him after the break.

SUBSTITUTES

BRENNAN DICKENSON (for Senior, 80) 

Gave away a controversial penalty after coming on despite his foul being outside the box.

AARON COLLINS (for Szmodics, 88)

SUBSTITUTES (NOT USED): Wright, Comley, Gondoh, Mandron, Ross.