COLCHESTER United were held to a 0-0 draw by Carlisle United, on Saturday afternoon.

The U's were forced to settle for a point at the JobServe Community Stadium which leaves them 16th in the League Two table.

Here are the Gazette player ratings, following a goal-less stalemate in North Essex.

MATT MACEY 7

Made a crucial save to deny Velo in the opening stages and looked competent throughout

ROB HUNT 7

Did well in a right-sided defensive role and played his part in Colchester keeping a clean sheet

MANDELA EGBO 6

Started in a central position; went close with a header early on before being replaced at half-time

TOM FLANAGAN 6

Had a shaky first half but U’s skipper improved after that and was more solid in the second half

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

ELLIS IANDOLO 8

Made a brilliant last-ditch tackle in the second half to deny Wyke and was denied by Lewis in second half

ALEX WOODYARD 6

Made some key challenges in midfield for his side before being replaced in the second half

ARTHUR READ 8

U’s man of the match. Hardly put a foot wrong and was unlucky not to score a late winner when denied by Lewis

JACK PAYNE 6

Will feel he should have scored in the second half with a great chance and was involved throughout

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

TOM HOPPER 6

Played out of position in a left-wing back role before being replaced at half-time

SAMSON TOVIDE 6

Had a decent early chance which he fired wide on a pretty frustrating afternoon for the U’s

LYLE TAYLOR 7

Showed his class throughout and saw his shot on the turn saved by Lewis in the second half

SUBSTITUTES

FIACRE KELLEHER (for Egbo, 46) 6

Slotted seamlessly into the centre of the U’s defence after coming on at half-time

JK GORDON (for Hopper, 46) 7

Made a positive impact on the left wing in the second half and caused Carlisle defence problems

JAMIE MCDONNELL (for Woodyard, 77)

Subs (not used): Donnelly, Anderson, Scully, Smith.