Colchester 2-1 Walsall – Player ratings

Jack Rose - 6

He was not at fault for either goal but Rose was not quite as commanding in his area as usual. The goalkeeper was not helped by his defence.

Hayden White - 4

A very poor performance from White. Very little going forward and defensively he was off the pace. His positional awareness was disappointing and he was caught napping too often.

James Clarke - 5

A good finish from Clarke who moved like a striker at the back post but in defence he was shaky. Frank Nouble often bullied him.

Mat Sadler - 5

Similar to Clarke, Sadler was knocked around by Nouble and did not impose himself on the game. He has played a lot of football and perhaps looked slightly laboured.

Max Melbourne - 6

A decent showing at left-back for Melbourne in comparison to his team-mates around him. He was better going forward and linked up well with those in front of him.

Tyreik Wright - 5

A good set corner from Wright set up the goal but overall his effectiveness was below-par. He’s best with the ball at his feet and running at defenders and those opportunities were few and far between.

Liam Kinsella - 5

A surprisingly average afternoon for Kinsella who was dealt with by the towering Harry Pell. He was taken off in the second half and deservedly so, for a player who has had such a good and consistent season. Perhaps the number of games is catching up to him.

Sam Perry - 6

Not his best showing but Perry persevered under difficult circumstances and came away from the game with some credit.

Emmanuel Osadebe - 5

A fairly quiet afternoon for Osadebe and not to the same level he’s hit in recent weeks. He had a spell of good play in the first half and should have scored, but aside from that was rarely mentioned.

Josh Gordon - 5

As with Gordon, it was another tireless display, but he is devoid of confidence and cannot get something to fall his way. Forced onto the wing he did his job but did not threaten the Colchester goal often.

Caolan Lavery - 6

Lavery was probably Walsall’s best performer in the first half, despite not having a sniff on goal. He held the ball up well, brought others into the game and looked lively. In the second half he was largely anonymous and isolated as his team-mates failed to get anything in to him.

Substitutes

Alfie Bates (for Kinsella, 60), Wes McDonald (for Wright, 60).

Subs not used: Roberts, Norman, Leak, Willis.