COLCHESTER United started the new League Two season with a 0-0 draw at Carlisle United, on Saturday afternoon.

The U's came away from Brunton Park with a point, following a hard-fought contest at Brunton Park.

Here, the Daily Gazette's Colchester United reporter Jonathan Waldron rates the performances of the U's players after the spoils were shared, on the opening day.

SHAMAL GEORGE 9

U’s man of the match. Made a number of excellent saves to help secure a draw

LUKE CHAMBERS 7

Experienced defender read the game well and battled hard on his U’s debut

TOM EASTMAN 7

Long-serving defender was his usual assured self as U’s right-sided centre-back

TOMMY SMITH 7

U’s skipper played his part in helping Colchester keep a clean sheet in opener

CAMERON COXE 8

Looked very lively on the U’s right on his debut and enjoyed his battle with Dickenson

COLE SKUSE 7

U’s debutant made a superb covering last-ditch challenge to deny Dickenson in the second half and won some key headers and tackles

BRENDAN WIREDU 7

Battled hard in midfield and grew in stature as the contest wore on

RYAN CLAMPIN 7

Wing-back battled hard for his side and gave Carlisle little joy down the U’s left

ALAN JUDGE 7

Forced Norman into a good save on the stroke of half-time on U’s debut

FRANK NOUBLE 7

Was a thorn in the side of the Carlisle defence and fought hard for his side

FREDDIE SEARS 7

Showed some nice touches but had few glimpses of goal before being withdrawn

SUBSTITUTES

SYLVESTER JASPER (for Sears, 81)

Subs (not used): Welch-Hayes, Chilvers, Kennedy, Tchamadeu, Tovide, Turner.