COLCHESTER United were beaten 3-1 at Doncaster Rovers, on Tuesday night.

Joe Taylor’s strike proved only a consolation for the U’s, as goals from Mo Faal, Joe Ironside and Tom Smith’s own goal condemned Matty Etherington’s side to another league defeat, at the Eco-Power Stadium.

Here are the Gazette player ratings, after Colchester suffered a third successive league loss.

TOM SMITH 5

U's goalkeeper made a brilliant reflex save seconds before conceding an unfortunate own goal before the break. Booked

ZACH MITCHELL 5

Had to have his wits about him dealing with Maxwell after starting at right-back; almost scored before half-time

FIACRE KELLEHER 6

Experienced defender looked solid on his first league start for nearly three months

Gazette:

TOM DALLISON 6

Was generally solid but will be disappointed with the final outcome as the U’s were beaten

MANNY EGBO 5

Had to deal with Nixon’s trickery at left-back before switching to right-back in latter stages

CAMERON MCGEEHAN 6

Had a long-range effort tipped away by Jones on a frustrating night for the U’s. Booked

Gazette:

ARTHUR READ 6

U's man of the match. Tried hard to get things moving in midfield for Colchester and took responsibility when needed

NOAH CHILVERS 5

U’s stand-in captain went close with a long-range effort that was parried away by Jones

CHAY COOPER 6

Supplied an excellent pass for Taylor’s goal and looked lively before being replaced

Gazette:

TOM HOPPER 5

Experienced striker worked hard for the cause on his return to the team. Booked

JOE TAYLOR 6

Took his goal with typical ruthlessness and was also twice denied by keeper Jones

SUBSTITUTES

WILL GREENIDGE (for Cooper, 65) 5

Foul on Molyneux in the box led to Doncaster wrapping up victory with a late penalty

BRAD IHIONVIEN (for Hopper, 76)

MATT JAY (for Dallison, 87)

Substitutes (not used): Terry, Kennedy, Bandeira, Collins.