Colchester United fell to a disappointing 3-2 defeat at home to Mansfield Town on Saturday afternoon.

Goals from Tom Eastman and Courtney Senior had put the U's in command at half-time.

But the Stags roared back with second-half goals from Nicky Ajose, Tyler Walker and CJ Hamilton securing them all three points.

The result sees Colchester slip to sixth in the League Two table and John McGreal’s men travel to play Crewe Alexandra, next weekend.

RENE GILMARTIN 6

U’s keeper made good saves either side of half-time but was beaten three times after that.

RYAN JACKSON 6

Was very impressive in the first half but part of a defence that conceded three goals in the second half.

TOM EASTMAN 6

Took his first-half goal extremely well but could do little to prevent Mansfield’s fightback after the break.

LUKE PROSSER 6

U’s skipper made a great block to deny Hamilton in the area and was dominant but could not prevent Mansfield fightback.

BRENNAN DICKENSON 6

Came close to scoring in the first half after being retained at left-back but was replaced midway through second half.

HARRY PELL 7

Was full of energy throughout and the U’s midfielder never stopped battling for the cause.

TOM LAPSLIE 7

U’s midfielder relished the midfield challenge in a hard-fought clash and impressed at both ends of the pitch. Booked

FRANK NOUBLE 7

Had an excellent first-half and was the main source of plenty of Colchester’s attacking play. Booked.

SAMMIE SZMODICS 6

Was unlucky not to score early on and will be disappointed with the free header he missed just after the break. Booked.

COURTNEY SENIOR 7

U’s man of the match. Finished well for his goal and also provided the free-kick that led to Eastman goal.

MIKAEL MANDRON 7

Provided assists for both goals and worked hard as always as the U’s main target man in attack.

SUBSTITUTES

KANE VINCENT-YOUNG (for Dickenson, 67) 7

Made a difference at both ends after coming on midway through the second half.

BRANDON COMLEY (for Senior, 72) 6

Was brought on to shore things U’s in the closing stages but could do little to prevent them conceding again.

JUNIOR OGEDI-UZOKWE (for Lapslie, 81) 5

Had few opportunities to shine in the closing stages after coming off the bench as the game became fractious.

SUBSTITUTES (NOT USED): Kensdale, Wright, Gondoh, Barnes.