A point from their home clash with Exeter City was enough to move Colchester United up into the top three in League Two, but the U’s came away knowing it could have been more.

They created a host of chances, but were kept at bay by an outstanding performance by Grecians keeper Christy Pym, so only had Sammie Szmodics' superb 67th minute strike to show for their efforts.

The goal was cancelled out by a quickfire response as Jayden Stockley levelled for the visitors three minutes later and that was how it remained at the final whistle.

Here Gazette reporter Simon Spurgeon rates the U's players in the 1-1 draw.

DILLON BARNES 7

Unlucky not to keep a clean sheet and made one particularly brave save to deny Exeter's Tristan Abrahams in the first half

RYAN JACKSON 7

Was full of running throughout and unlucky not to score when a fierce drive was deflected just wide

OLLIE KENSDALE 8

Came in for his first-ever league start and showed a composure and maturity beyond his years

FRANKIE KENT 8

Rose admirably to the task of being the senior member of the very youthful central defensive partnership

KANE VINCENT-YOUNG 8

Willing running from left-back gave options deep in Exeter territory and was a key part of a solid back line

HARRY PELL 7

Typically combative and authoritative back in the U's engine room after his match out through suspension

TOM LAPSLIE 7

Offered a reliable screen in front of the youngsters behind him to ensure not much got through the middle

COURTNEY SENIOR 8

Another excellent show that was full of trickery to get in behind Exeter's defence time after time and played a key role in the U's goal

SAMMIE SZMODICS 9

Man-of-the-match display from one of the U's favourite sons that was capped by a sublime strike to put his team ahead

FRANK NOUBLE 8

Played his part in the U’s winner; showed all of his strength and experience throughout. Booked

MIKAEL MANDRON 7

Had a strong return to the U's starting line-up and while chances were slim himself, he played a key role in setting up others' opportunities

SUBSTITUTES:

Ryan Gondoh (for Senior, 87)

Brennan Dickenson (for Mandron, 89)

SUBSTITUTES (NOT USED):

Ross, Comley, Wright, James, Collins.