COLCHESTER United were beaten 3-1 at Reading in the Carabao Cup first round, on Saturday afternoon.

The U's produced an impressive first-half performance, before the hosts came back to win at the Madejski Stadium.

Here are the Gazette player ratings, after an encouraging first performance for Colchester under new boss Steve Ball.

DEAN GERKEN 6

Made a good save late on to deny Melvin-Lambert. Will be disappointed with the final scoreline

MIQUEL SCARLETT 7

An impressive league bow for the U's teenager, who certainly did not look out of place on his debut

TOMMY SMITH 6

Was dominant in the air and displayed an impressive array of passing on his first appearance since signing

TOM EASTMAN 6

Made some timely interceptions but had a tough task dealing with hat-trick hero Joao

COHEN BRAMALL 7

Supplied a pinpoint cross for Brown's opener and was full of athleticism as usual

HARRY PELL 7

Seemed to relish being captain for the first time; made some crunching tackles and was heartbeat of the U's midfield

BEN STEVENSON 6

Was at the heart of much of the U's good play in the first half but was not quite as influential after the break

NOAH CHILVERS 7

Showed his class in midfield after being handed a start and seldom wasted possession

KWAME POKU 6

Had the Reading defence back-tracking for much of the first half but faded a little in the second half

CALLUM HARRIOTT 6

Was always positive in his play and worried his former club's defence; was unlucky near the end when he shot wide when through on goal after suffering from cramp

JEVANI BROWN 7

U's man of the match. Took his goal extremely well and was at the centre of much of the U's fine first-half attacking play

SUBSTITUTES

COURTNEY SENIOR (for Chilvers, 71)

MARLEY MARSHALL-MIRANDA (for Stevenson, 87)

SUBS (NOT USED): Sowunmi, Welch-Hayes, McLeod, Hutchinson, George.