Express & Star

Walsall 1 Colchester 1 - Report and pictures

Walsall battled to a hard-fought point as they drew 1-1 with promotion hopefuls Colchester United.

Published

After a frantic start from both teams, some slack defending allowed Callum Harriott to dance his way into the box and put the visitors ahead with a neat low finish.

Walsall had opportunities of their own but couldn’t find the back of the net as they entered half-time losing.

However, the hosts struck back quickly in the second period through Elijah Adebayo who curled in a superb effort - in what was a brilliant display from the striker.

Alongside Caolan Lavery and Rory Holden, Adebayo had chances to win it for the Saddlers but following an energetic game the two teams shared the spoils.

Darrell Clarke made four changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Forest Green Rovers last week, returning to the 4-2-3-1 formation.

Zak Jules, Hayden White, Stuart Sinclair and Lavery all dropped to the bench as Cameron Norman, Wes McDonald, Adebayo and Danny Guthrie all came into the side - with the latter returning to league action after his sending off against Harrogate Town.

Young midfielder Sam Perry, who made the bench last week, missed out. Winger Jack Nolan was also not involved.

Steve Ball’s Colchester arrived in the Black Country making only one change from the team that drew 3-3 with Oldham last week, also utilising a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Miles Welch-Hayes missed out on the squad altogether and the right-back was replaced in the starting XI with like-for-like defender Miquel Scarlett.

Former Manchester United academy striker Joshua Bohui, who was only announced as a Colchester player more than an hour before kick-off, was named on the bench.

The first major chance of the game came within two minutes when a defensive mix-up allowed Jevani Brown to race through on goal. He delightfully chipped goalkeeper Liam Roberts but was unlucky to see his effort hit the post.

With both sides starting quickly, it was Josh Gordon who had the next chance as his powerful half-volley was tipped over the bar following a Norman throw-in.

The visitors took the lead through Callum Harriott after 25 minutes. Brown held the ball up well and played it to the right winger who ran directly at James Clarke. He turned the skipper inside out before finishing low beyond Roberts.

Walsall were dealt a blow with five minutes remaining of the half when Gordon was forced off with injury, holding his right knee. Lavery replaced him and moved up front with Adebayo as Holden moved to the right - as the Saddlers changed to a 4-4-2 formation.

Minutes later, Dan Scarr almost equalised. The ball fell for the defender in the box and after missing the ball on his first effort, his second was palmed away by goalkeeper Dean Gerken.

Despite the hosts creating plenty of chances, Walsall entered half-time losing 1-0.

Within 10 minutes of the restart, Adebayo equalised for Walsall. The striker received the ball on the left and as he cut inside on the edge of the box he curled a lovely strike in off the far post. His effort seemed to take a slight deflection on the way.

Minutes later, Adebayo should have had a second when he met Holden’s cross but from two yards out his header was superbly saved by Gerken.

Lavery went close when he met McDonald’s cross, but the striker just could not direct the ball goalwards.

Holden was next to test goalkeeper Gerken as his low effort was palmed away. Walsall continued to push for a winner with 10 minutes remaining.

Despite desperate efforts from the Saddlers to find a winner, the game was locked at 1-1 as both sides came away with a point.

Teams

Walsall: Roberts, Norman, Scarr, Clarke, Nurse, Kinsella, Guthrie (Bates, 70), Gordon (Lavery, 41), Holden, McDonald (Osadebe, 85), Adebayo.

Subs not used: Rose, Jules, White, Sinclair.

Colchester: Gerken, Scarlett, Eastman, Smith, Bramall, Chilvers, Stevenson, Harriott (Cowan-Hall, 87), Poku (Bohui, 82), Senior (Norris, 58), Brown.

Subs not used: George, Sowunmi, Miranda, Tovide.