COLCHESTER United tumbled to a 5-2 defeat at free-scoring Oldham Athletic, on Friday night.

A late brace from Davis Keillor-Dunn rounded off the Latics' win at Boundary Park, after goals from Conor McAleny, Alfie McCalmont and Carl Piergianni had earlier seen the hosts race into a 3-0 lead.

Second-half goals from Frank Nouble and Tom Eastman gave the visitors' brief hope of rescuing a point but it was nevertheless a bad night, for Colchester.

Hayden Mullins' side lie five points above the League Two relegation zone but with only five games remaining and with teams around them having games in hand.

Here are our player ratings following a dismal evening for the U's, in their battle to avoid the drop.

DEAN GERKEN 5

U’s keeper made numerous good saves but was part of a team that conceded five goals

MILES WELCH-HAYES 4

Oldham’s rampant attack gave the U’s right-back plenty to think about throughout

TOM EASTMAN 4

Long-serving defender had an eventful night. Scored U’s second but conceded a penalty and the free-kick that led to Oldham’s second. Booked

TOMMY SMITH 4

Experienced defender had his work cut out dealing with a vibrant Oldham attack

RYAN CLAMPIN 5

Should have been awarded a penalty in second half and provided assist for Nouble’s goal

TOM LAPSLIE 4

Tried hard to stop Oldham playing on his return to the side before being replaced by Stevenson

HARRY PELL 5

U’s man of the match. Colchester skipper never stopped battling in midfield and encouraging his side and was unlucky not to score with a long-range shot that hit a post

COURTNEY SENIOR 4

Had few opportunities to show off his trickery before being replaced before the hour

BRENDAN WIREDU 4

Played in an advanced midfield role before being substituted just after the hour

CALLUM HARRIOTT 4

U’s winger showed only glimpses of his skill before being taken off before the hour on a bad night for Colchester

FRANK NOUBLE 5

Finished very well for his goal but was well marshalled by Oldham before that and was taken off after scoring

SUBSTITUTES

OMAR SOWUNMI (for Senior, 57) 4

JEVANI BROWN (for Harriott, 57) 5

NOAH CHILVERS (for Wiredu, 64) 5

MICHAEL FOLIVI (for Nouble, 64) 4

BEN STEVENSON (for Lapslie, 79)

Subs (not used): Cowan-Hall, George.