Colchester United suffered penalty misery after they were beaten on spot-kicks by Cheltenham Town, in the Carabao Cup.

The U's lost 6-5 in the shoot-out at Whaddon Road, having come from 2-0 down to make it 2-2 in the first-round tie after 90 minutes..

Here, Colchester United reporter Jonathan Waldron rates the players as the U's winless run continued in the League Cup.

DILLON BARNES 6

Conceded the penalty that resulted in Cheltenham’s second but had little chance with their opener

RYAN JACKSON 6

U’s right-back defended solidly but only got forward on occasions

TOM EASTMAN 6

Was effective in the air but had work cut out on his return to the side

FRANKIE KENT 6

Defensive error led to Cheltenham’s first-minute opener and was not at his best

BRENNAN DICKENSON 6

Was rarely able to show his attacking flair at left-back but still battled hard

BRANDON COMLEY 6

Tenacious in the tackle but was not really his night on return to the side. Booked

HARRY PELL 7

Battled hard against his former club and had a hand in Szmodics’ well-taken goal

AARON COLLINS 6

Was bright and lively on the left flank but less effective in second half before going off

LUKE NORRIS 8

U’s man of the match. Scored long-range goal on debut and went close with an overhead kick

COURTNEY SENIOR 6

Fired a low shot wide in the first half and missed in the penalty shoot-out. Booked

MIKAEL MANDRON 6

Had little service on his return to the side before being replaced in second half

SUBSTITUTES

SAMMIE SZMODICS (for Collins, 67) 7

Took his goal very well from Pell’s assist and looked bright when he came on

FRANK NOUBLE (for Mandron, 67) 7

Gave the Cheltenham defence something different to think about after coming on