COLCHESTER United were beaten 2-1 at home by Crawley Town, this afternoon.

The U's slumped to a fourth successive defeat in League Two, with Joe Taylor's stoppage-time goal proving only a consolation for the home side.

Here are the Gazette player ratings, following a demoralising home defeat at the JobServe Community Stadium.

OWEN GOODMAN 6

U’s goalkeeper provided the assist for Taylor’s stoppage-time goal on his return to the team; denied Wright late on

WILL GREENIDGE 5

Started the game well before being replaced in the second half on a disappointing day for the U’s

Gazette:

ZACH MITCHELL 5

Tried his best to drive the U’s forward from the back but was unable to help his side claim a point

FIACRE KELLEHER 6

Tried hard to drive the U's team on after pulling on the captain’s armband 

MANDELA EGBO 5

Made a timely last-ditch challenge on Kelly in the first half; started as one of three centre-backs

Gazette:

JAYDEN FEVRIER 5

Showed flashes of his wing wizardry but was generally well marshalled by Crawley. Booked

CAMERON MCGEEHAN 5

Tried to make his presence felt in midfield against a well-organised Crawley side. Booked

ARTHUR READ 6

Tackle on Tsaroulla conceded the second-half penalty which ultimately proved to be U’s winner

Gazette:

MATT JAY 6

U’s man of the match. Tried to make things happen and was effective in the first half

SAMSON TOVIDE 5

Missed two gilt-edged opportunities before going off injured in the second half

Gazette:

JOE TAYLOR 6

Took his goal very well in stoppage time but it was too little, too late for Colchester

SUBSTITUTES

JOHN AKINDE (sub Tovide, 54) 5

Was unlucky not to score with a deflected effort soon after coming on for first league appearance since September

CHAY COOPER (sub Jay, 77)

NOAH CHILVERS (sub Greenidge, 77)

Substitutes (not used): Terry, Bandeira, Hopper, Smith.