A brace from Kevin Lisbie secured in-form Colchester a narrow 2-1 victory over Walsall.
Penalty winner the difference at Weston Homes
A brace from Kevin Lisbie secured in-form Colchester a narrow 2-1 victory over Walsall.
Walsall's Mark Bradley headed Peter Till's cross just wide from close range in the opening minutes, but Colchester broke the deadlock in the 26th minute.
Clive Platt helped on goalkeeper Ben Williams' long kick and after Kayode Odejayi had taken a touch, Platt's goalbound effort was flicked into the net by Lisbie from close range.
But it took Walsall barely 60 seconds to get back on level terms.
The Saddlers won back possession just inside the Colchester half and when Darren Byfield was sent away, he composed himself before firing into the roof of the net.
Matt Richards hooked over for Walsall early in the second half but after Clayton Ince had saved from both Odejayi and Lisbie, the Us regained their lead.
Lisbie struck home his second goal from the penalty spot, after Josh Payne had been tripped by Mark Hughes in the area and substitute Steven Gillespie hit the woodwork late on, as Colchester won again.
