COLCHESTER United crashed to a hugely disappointing 3-1 home defeat to Morecambe, on Saturday afternoon.

JJ McKiernan's hat-trick secured the visitors a deserved win at the JobServe Community Stadium despite Cameron McGeehan's consolation.

Colchester had played against ten men for more than an hour, following James Connolly's red card for violent conduct.

Here are the Gazette player ratings, following a bad day at the office for the U's.

OWEN GOODMAN 4

On-loan Palace keeper was beaten three times on a hugely disappointing day for Colchester

MANDELA EGBO 6

U’s man of the match. Showed the kind of desire and commitment that was needed all over the pitch

Gazette:

ZACH MITCHELL 4

Young on-loan Charlton Athletic defender had a tough afternoon but he was by no means the only one. Booked

CONNOR HALL 4

Colchester skipper will be disappointed with the goals conceded and manner of the defeat

AL-AMIN KAZEEM 4

A challenging afternoon for the young left wing-back up against the outstanding Mayor

Gazette:

CAMERON MCGEEHAN 5

Scored his second goal in as many games after returning from suspension but was too little, too late

JAY MINGI 4

Experienced a testing afternoon against a vibrant and impressive Morecambe side

NOAH CHILVERS 4

Missed penalty in the closing stages seemed to epitomise a hugely frustrating afternoon for the youngster

Gazette:

JAYDEN FEVRIER 4

Showed glimpses of his undoubted skill but not enough to impact the scoreline on a tough day

JOE TAYLOR 4

U’s top scorer was denied by goalkeeper Moore in the first half

SAMSON TOVIDE 4

Was involved in the incident with Connolly that resulted in the Morecambe man being sent off

Gazette:

SUBSTITUTES

BRADLEY IHIONVIEN (for Mingi, 57) 6

Played his part in McGeehan’s goal and won U’s the penalty that Chilvers blazed over. Booked

CHAY COOPER (for Mitchell, 65) 6

Looked bright when he came on and was unlucky to see his late effort strike the woodwork

TOM HOPPER (for Tovide, 65) 6

Made his presence felt after coming off the bench and was effective in the air

MAURO BANDEIRA (for Kazeem, 82)

Substitutes (not used): Greenidge, Kennedy, Smith.