Colchester United were beaten 2-0 at Bury, to slide to a fifth defeat in six matches.

A two-goal brace from Dom Telford condemned the U's to defeat at Gigg Lane.

The loss leaves John McGreal's side five points off the League Two play-off places, with four games remaining.

Here the Daily Gazette's Colchester United report Jonathan Waldron rates the U's players' performances, following a disappointing away day.

RENE GILMARTIN 5

Looked nervous dealing with crosses and will be disappointed with manner of goals

RYAN JACKSON 6

Was a competent enough performer and had a long-range effort pushed away

LUKE PROSSER 6

U’s skipper was solid before being forced off midway through the second half with an ankle injury

FRANKIE KENT 6

Made a crucial first-half headed clearance but will be disappointed with manner of Bury’s second

KANE VINCENT-YOUNG 5

Will be disappointed with the lead up to Bury’s second on a costly day for the U’s

SAM SAUNDERS 7

U’s man of the match. Hit the bar with a long-range effort and drove the side on from midfield

TOM LAPSLIE 7

Had a fine shot tipped over and made a fantastic double block in the area in the first half

FRANK NOUBLE 6

Caused the Bury defence problems in the first half but had less influence after half-time

SAMMIE SZMODICS 6

U’s leading scorer tried his best to make an impression but ball did not run for him

COURTNEY SENIOR 5

Got into some good positions particularly in the first half but lacked a cutting edge

MIKAEL MANDRON 5

Was not really his day and was well marshalled by a well-organised Bury defence

SUBSTITUTES

TOM EASTMAN (for Prosser, 65) 5

Came on at a difficult time for the U’s who conceded a second goal soon after

BRENNAN DICKENSON (for Mandron, 75) 5

Tried hard to make things happen for Colchester in the closing stages of the match

LUKE NORRIS (for Lapslie, 77) 5

Came onto the pitch for the final stages of the match with the U’s chasing the game

SUBSTITUTES (NOT USED): Chilvers, Stevenson, Eisa, Barnes.