Colchester United were beaten 2-0 by in-form Tranmere Rovers on Saturday afternoon.

Goals from James Norwood and David Perkins gave Micky Mellon's side all three points at the JobServe Community Stadium and condemned the U’s to a third straight defeat, in League Two.

The result sees Colchester slip to ninth in the table - four points off the play-off places with seven games remaining.

John McGreal’s men travel to play Cambridge United, next weekend.

Here, the Gazette's Colchester United reporter Jonathan Waldron rates the players following the disappointing 2-0 defeat.

DILLON BARNES 6

Was left exposed by his defence for Tranmere’s goals following his first start since mid-December

RYAN JACKSON 6

Went close with a long-range effort in the first half but could do little about Tranmere’s two goals

LUKE PROSSER 6

U’s skipper had his work cut out dealing with League Two’s leading scorer Norwood

FRANKIE KENT 6

Was dominant in the air but ultimately could do nothing to prevent a U’s defeat. Booked.

KANE VINCENT-YOUNG 6

Showed plenty of attacking intent but had a tough time dealing with the likes of Jennings and Caprice

BEN STEVENSON 6

Did his best to keep things moving for the U’s in midfield but given little time to do so by Perkins

TOM LAPSLIE 7

Was characteristically industrious on his return to Colchester’s starting line-up

ABO EISA 8

U’s man of the match. Gave Caprice a torrid time down the U’s left and rattled the woodwork with a free-kick

SAMMIE SZMODICS 6

Regularly linked up well with Eisa in first half and went close early on but unable to make a breakthrough

COURTNEY SENIOR 6

Was well marshalled throughout by the well-organised Tranmere defensive line who gave him little space to play

MIKAEL MANDRON 6

Got some good flick-ons and enjoyed tussle with Ellis but was often given little support as main attacker

SUBSTITUTES

LUKE NORRIS (for Lapslie, 65) 6

Tried his best to get Colchester back into the game after coming off the bench but to no avail

BRENNAN DICKENSON (for Norris, 81)

SUBSTITUTES (NOT USED): Kensdale, Chilvers, Wright, Miller, Ross.