The Saddlers arrived at the match on the back of a run that has seen them go undefeated in six - including two wins in a row - and in search of a victory that would secure them a place in League Two for at least another season.
The Saddlers started the game slowly but, despite their hosts going close via the post, it was captain James Clarke who would open the scoring after twenty minutes of play, putting his side on course to a third straight win.
The U's were however able to get back on level term with around eight minutes of the first half remaining as Michael Folivi netted to give his side hope of creating some welcome space between them and the bottom two.
Sadly for the Saddlers their opponents were able to put themselves into the lead deep into first-half stoppage time as Ryan Clampin slammed the ball home from twenty yards, giving Walsall plenty to do in the second forty-five.
SKY BET LEAGUE TWO
|
ColU
|
2-1
|
WFC
|
Folivi (37') Clampin (45+4')
|
Clarke (20') |
49
|
POSS. (%)
|
51
|
16
|
SHOTS
|
4
|
6
|
AT GOAL
|
1
|
5
|
CORNERS
|
3
|
15
|
FOULS
|
10
|
3
|
BOOKED
|
1
|
0
|
SENT OFF
|
0
|
VENUE
|
Colchester Comunity Stadium
|
REFEREE
|
Carl Boyeson
|
Colchester United
George 🟨; Welch-Hayes, Smith, Pell 🟨, Harriott (Stevenson, 46'), Chilvers (Lapslie, 90+1'), Eastman, Clampin, Sarpong-Wiredu 🟨 (Senior, 77'), Folivi (Brown, 77'), Nouble
Unused: Gerken; Doherty, Sowunmi
Walsall
Rose; White, Clarke, Sadler, Melbourne; Wright 🟨 (McDonald, 61'), Kinsella (Bates, 61'), Perry, Osadebe (Osei Yaw, 88'); Gordon, Lavery
Unused: Roberts; Norman, Leak; Willis