COLCHESTER United fell to a 4-2 defeat at AFC Wimbledon in their opening game of the League Two season.

The U's made a dream start at Plough Lane and were 2-0 up inside the first ten minutes thanks to debutant Ben Goodliffe's double.

However, the Dons hit back to lead at half-time thanks to goals from James Ball, Jake Reeves and Matty Stevens, before Omar Bugiel wrapped up the hosts' victory with a fourth early in the second half.

Here are the U's player ratings, after Colchester lost out in South-West London.

MATT MACEY 5

U’s debutant goalkeeper beaten four times but made a fine save to deny Bugiel late on

ROB HUNT 5

A testing debut for Colchester’s summer signing against a lively Dons attack. Booked

(Image: RICHARD BLAXALL)

BEN GOODLIFFE 6

Scored two excellent headed goals early on his debut before departing with nasty facial injury

TOM FLANAGAN 5

New U’s captain had tricky test dealing with the likes of Bugiel and Stevens on his debut

ELLIS IANDOLO 5

Had his work cut out dealing with the tricky Neufville on a tough day for the U’s

(Image: RICHARD BLAXALL)

ARTHUR READ 5

Tried hard to get things going for Colchester in midfield against former team-mate Smith

JACK PAYNE 6

U’s man of the match. Provided two set-piece assists for Goodliffe’s goal and looked a threat

TOM HOPPER 5

Played in a midfield role for Colchester against a Dons side who look strong in the centre of the park

JK GORDON 5

Was handed his debut in a right-sided role and was very unfortunate to be penalised for handball for Dons penalty

(Image: RICHARD BLAXALL)

BRADLEY IHIONVIEN 6

Played predominantly in a left-sided role for Colchester having been touch and go for the game due to injury

SAMSON TOVIDE 5

Was a handful for Dons defence early on and lasted for more than an hour before being replaced

SUBSTITUTES

FIACRE KELLEHER (for Goodliffe, 60) 6

Put in a solid performance at the heart of the U’s defence after replacing Goodliffe on the hour

TEDDY BISHOP (for Ihionvien, 68) 6

Made his presence felt in midfield after coming on for his Colchester debut

OWURA EDWARDS (for Tovide, 68) 6

Looked lively on the left flank and was agonisingly close to scoring from Egbo’s brilliant cross

MANDELA EGBO (for Hunt, 77)

Substitutes (not used): Bendle, Woodyard, Smith.