Dominant Colchester United were able to end Walsall’s unbeaten run with a 2-1 victory over the Saddlers

Colchester dominated in a must-win game for the U’s. For Walsall, questions have once again been raised about interim manager Brian Dutton, as they look set for their lowest finish in 100 years of league football.

Walsall took the lead in their first attack of the game, however, that did not stop Colchester from sealing the three points. The U’s were dominant throughout, and threatened to score more than just the two that they did. It was a strong team performance, that exposed gaps throughout the Walsall team.

Walsall’s strong defence collapses

It was a disappointing defensive display by a Walsall backline that had been vastly improved in recent weeks. The loss in Essex has ended a six-game unbeaten run, where the Saddlers only conceded two goals. However, Colchester managed 18 shots, with seven of those on target.

The West Midlands club will look at the two goals as ones that could have easily been stopped. The first was a tap-in by Michael Folivi.

A short corner routine was eventually played into the box. It was nodded down and made its way to Frank Nouble. The forward shrugged off his man, and took aim. His shot cannoned off the post and went straight to Folivi who tapped in.

The second goal was a brilliant strike by Ryan Clampin. On the stroke of half-time, a header was cleared to the full-back, whose volley made its way into the corner of the Walsall goal. It was a great strike from the 22-year-old, and Colchester deservedly led at the break.

On both occasions, Walsall did not clear their lines. The defence seemed scared of Nouble, Folivi and Callum Harriott, who were all in fine form. Folivi was unlucky not to score more, with an audacious volley that was powered slightly wide, and a low drive that forced Jack Rose into a save.

The Saddlers allowed Colchester to attack them, and gifted possession in key areas. Twice in the second-half, loose passes ended with the U’s regaining possession in the final third.

Hayden White also seemed a yard off the pace all game. He was consistently beaten by the hosts’ left-hand side, and his poor positioning left gaps for Colchester to attack.

After the game, Walsall manager Brian Dutton had the following to say about the team’s defensive display:

“I think it’s a bad day at the office. There’s not been many times in my tenure that I have thought the team were really broken defensively.

“That wasn’t how it should be today, it wasn’t as solid as it has been, so that is going to need reviewing, and remedying. I don’t expect wholesale changes to how we defend, I expect tweaks, and maybe a couple of reminders.”

Set-piece inconsistency

Walsall’s goal came from a set-piece, that saw Caolan Lavery flick a ball on for James Clarke, who tapped in from close range. Throughout the first-half, the Saddlers looked threatening from set-pieces, which was something that pleased Dutton:

“We are not a team that scores a lot of goals from open play, so we’ve got to keep that back door shut, try and keep a clean sheet, and win games with individual quality, or win games on set-pieces.

“To be threatening is a real positive step in the right direction, and we must continue that if we are going to win games between now and the end of the season.”

The team struggled in the second-half, and with it, came inconsistent set-pieces. Corners, long free-kicks, and free-kicks at goal were all going wayward or struggling to beat the first man. Walsall were struggling to create, but these were chances to try and force an opportunity, or even build an extended spell of pressure, that they just couldn’t capitalise on.

The Saddlers are missing a consistent goal scorer. Set plays are a good chance to see players from all over the pitch chipping in with a goal or two. Their set-piece work will need continual training, especially if Brian Dutton is focussing on them, to gain an advantage. The Saddlers need to iron out the major inconsistencies that happen in-game and to consistently do them correct in-game situations.

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