Colchester United came from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw with Grimsby Town, on Saturday afternoon.

Sean Murray's spectacular strike just after half-time cancelled out Charles Vernam's opener and earned the U's a point, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

The result sees Colchester five points adrift of the League Two play-off places and John McGreal’s travel to play Port Vale, next weekend.

Here, Colchester United reporter Jonathan Waldron rates the players following the 1-1 draw against the Mariners:

SAM WALKER 8

U’s man of the match. U’s keeper made a string of excellent and important saves.

TOM EASTMAN 6

Had a testing time in the first half but looked more comfortable in a four-man defence.

FRANKIE KENT 6

Put in a committed display but might have conceded a penalty late on after challenge on Vernam.

RYAN INNISS 5

U’s centre-back did not look completely fit before being withdrawn at half-time.

RYAN JACKSON 6

Was caught upfield for Grimsby’s goal but also came close to scoring in the first half.

SEAN MURRAY 7

Took his goal extremely well and was full of running in the second half.

TOM LAPSLIE 6

U’s skipper produced another hard-working display in central midfield.

KANE VINCENT-YOUNG 6

Looked more comfortable in the second half following the formation change.

DREY WRIGHT 7

Was below-par in the first half but improved after that and had a hand in equaliser.

SAMMIE SZMODICS 6

Had a quiet game by his high standards and missed a decent late chance.

KURTIS GUTHRIE 6

Had little joy from the Grimsby defence before being withdrawn in the second half.

SUBSTITUTES

COURTNEY SENIOR (for Inniss, 46) 8

Made a big difference after coming on and played his part in Murray’s goal.

MIKAEL MANDRON (for Guthrie, 74) 6

Was well marshalled by a solid and well-organised Grimsby defence.

JUNIOR OGEDI-UZOKWE (for Szmodics, 90)

Had only seconds to make an impact on his debut after coming on in stoppage-time.

SUBSTITUTES (NOT USED): Kpekawa, Prosser, Comley, Gilmartin.