COLCHESTER United beat MK Dons 2-1 to claim victory in their opening Bristol Street Motors Trophy Southern Group E match, on Tuesday night.

Fiacre Kelleher netted the U's second-half winner, after Anthony Scully's penalty had cancelled out Stephen Wearne's opener for Dons, at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Here are the U's player ratings, after Danny Cowley's side got back to winning ways.

TOM SMITH 8

U’s keeper impressed on his first start since December and made several important saves from the likes of Tomlinson and Illunga

ROB HUNT 7

Defended pretty solidly on the right side of Colchester’s back three. Booked

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

FIACRE KELLEHER 8

U’s man of the match. Scored the U’s winner and impressed on his return to the starting line-up. Booked

AARON DONNELLY 7

Looked effective in the air after coming back into the starting line-up. Long throws effective again

JAMIE MCDONNELL 7

On-loan Nottingham Forest youngster produced some good work on his debut for Colchester. Booked

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

ARTHUR READ 7

Battled hard against a possession-based MK Dons side on his return to the starting line-up

JK GORDON 7

Worked hard in defence for his side and showed flashes of his attacking ability

HARRY ANDERSON 5

Had a frustrating night after being forced off with an injury in the 17th minute

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

MATT JAY 7

Looked busy on his first start since January and provided the corner that led to Kelleher’s winner

ANTHONY SCULLY 7

Despatched his penalty well on his first U’s start and looked lively throughout

TOM HOPPER 7

U’s skipper for the night led the line well for his side before going off just after the hour

SUBSTITUTES

MANDELA EGBO (for Anderson, 17) 8

Won the penalty that led to Scully equalising and defended and attacked well

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

SAMSON TOVIDE (for Jay, 61) 7

Made his presence felt for Colchester after coming off the bench for the final half hour

JACK PAYNE (for Hopper, 62) 7

Immediately looked at ease against his old club after being introduced on the hour mark

OWURA EDWARDS (for McDonnell, 72)

ALFIE BENDLE (for Scully, 72)

Substitutes (not used): Emery, Chamberlain.