COLCHESTER United claimed an away point when they drew 1-1 at Chesterfield, on Tuesday night.

Jack Payne gave the U's a sixth-minute lead but that was cancelled out by Will Grigg's controversial 64th-minute equaliser.

Here are the Gazette player ratings, after Colchester produced an improved display in League Two.

MATT MACEY 8

Made some excellent saves including a fine stop to push Berry’s free-kick onto the crossbar

ROB HUNT 8

Had his work cut out dealing with the impressive Berry but stuck to his task well at right-back

BEN GOODLIFFE 7

Walked a bit of a tightrope after being booked early on but defended well on return to the side

(Image: RICHARD BLAXALL)

AARON DONNELLY 8

Looked assured on the left side of Colchester’s defence; was a competent performer

ELLIS IANDOLO 7

Put in a tidy performance at left-back but probably didn’t get forward as much as possible

ALEX WOODYARD 8

Did his fair share of defensive work and never stopped working for his side

(Image: RICHARD BLAXALL)

JAMIE MCDONNELL 8

On-loan Nottingham Forest player produced a mature performance on his first-ever EFL start

JACK PAYNE 8

U's man of the match. Took his goal extremely well and was at the heart of all of Colchester’s attacking moves

OSCAR THORN 8

Provided the assist for Payne on his first EFL start and might have scored himself just after half-time

(Image: RICHARD BLAXALL)

JK GORDON 7

Began the match brightly and caused the Chesterfield defence problems at the start of each half

TOM HOPPER 7

Skippered the U’s and led by example with his energy and high work-rate for 90-plus minutes and made good goal-line clearance 

SUBSTITUTES

HARRY ANDERSON (for Gordon, 76)

MANDELA EGBO (for McDonnell, 80)

LYLE TAYLOR (for Thorn, 80)

Subs (not used): Flanagan, Kelleher, Read, Smith.