COLCHESTER United crashed to a 1-0 home defeat against lowly Morecambe, on Saturday afternoon.

Cole Stockton's 66th-minute header secured all three points for the Shrimps, at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Colchester remain two points off the League Two play-off places after the defeat and the Gazette's U's reporter Jonathan Waldron rates the performance of the players, following the disappointing loss.

DEAN GERKEN 6

U’s man of the match. U’s keeper made a number of good saves throughout

RYAN JACKSON 5

Suffered disappointment on his 100th league appearance for the U’s. Booked

TOM EASTMAN 5

Was beaten in the air by Stockton for what proved to be Morecambe’s winner

LUKE PROSSER 6

U’s skipper was unable to help save his side from a disappointing home loss

COHEN BRAMALL 5

Was given a testing time and rarely seen as an attacking force on his return to the side

TOM LAPSLIE 5

Did not have his usual impact in central midfield on a bad day for the U’s

BRENDAN WIREDU 5

Had an influence on the game in the first half but faded a little after that

KWAME POKU 5

Teenager tried to make things happen for his side on a frustrating afternoon

CALLUM HARRIOTT 5

Managed an hour in his first competitive domestic appearance for nearly six months

FRANK NOUBLE 6

Was arguably the pick of U’s attacking players; denied by Roche in the first half. Booked

THEO ROBINSON 5

Had little service and minimal influence on the game before being replaced on the hour

SUBSTITUTES

LUKE NORRIS (for Robinson, 59) 5

Was unlucky not to score when his goalbound effort was blocked late on

COURTNEY SENIOR (for Harriott, 62) 6

Forced a good save from keeper Roach in the closing stages

LUKE GAMBIN (for Lapslie, 76) 5

Tried his best to rescue a point for his side after coming off the bench

SUBSTITUTES (NOT USED): Sowunmi, Clampin, Stevenson, Ross.