Supporters of both teams suffered a poor game of 'football' in a very quiet and subdued atmosphere at the Western Hopes Community Stadium as Colchester United and Walsall slugged it out on a sunny afternoon. Dean Smith shuffled his pack again as he tries to come up with a winning formula but try as hard as he does he runs into a brick wall.
Walsall won a couple of corners early on but they were badly taken and came to nothing.It was clear that Colchester's Michail Antonio was going to be a threat with his pace as he ran at Walsall and went close with one effort. The Saddlers won a free kick outside the box but Richard Taundry fired wide. Jimmy Walker, who had a loan spell with the Essex club, produced one fine early save to keep out Anthony Wordsworth.
On the half hour came an incident which the game-and the eventual result hinged on. A linesman came up with absurd notion that Walsall captain Andy Butler had fouled Antonio inside the box- if it was deemed to be a foul it was clearly outside the box-and a penalty was given with Butler sent off as he was deemed to be the last defender. Wadsworth scored from the spot as Walsall regrouped with Jamie Patterson sacrificed and Olly Lancashire introduced to fill Butler's position.
Jimmy Walker made two fine second half saves to keep his team in the game but as the match facts shown Walsall didn't have a single shot on target in the whole game. Until the team is boltered in midfield and we find a genuine pacey winger we will struggle in this division this season.
