Walsall player ratings: One 8 and two 5s in victory at Colchester

Made a good save with his legs to deny Jack Payne and a big stop at 1-1 to keep out Moses Sesay in the second half.

Key: 7

Elicha Ahui

Recalled following his suspension, but conceded a penalty for the hosts’ equaliser with a clumsy trip on Sesay.

Clumsy: 5

Declan Skura

Broke the lines on a number of occasions and made some great recovery runs, as he opened the scoring with his first Walsall goal.

Solid: 7

James Connolly

Helped Walsall stem the tide after Colchester intensified the pressure and put his body on the line at times.

Brave: 6

Mason Hancock

Improved as the game went on and illustrated his fitness levels with an energetic finish to set-up Aaron Pressley’s goal.

Grew: 6

Isaac Moore

Not always tidy in possession, but covered every blade of grass once again and was brave in the challenge, as has come to be expected.

Tireless: 6

Charlie Crew

Did relatively well in the duel and never shied away from receiving the ball under pressure. Growing into a reliable performer of late.

Reliable: 7

Lewis Simper

Occupied some good pockets of space during the first half, but didn’t necessarily seize his chance in the starting XI.

Passive: 5

Tai Sodje

Combined well with Pressley on a couple of occasions, although Walsall looked more threatening once he was replaced.

Challenging: 6

Reece Smith

His corner kick caused havoc for the Saddlers’ opening goal and he was a fruitful attacking outlet throughout. Also hit the bar with a powerful effort.

Threat: 7

Aaron Pressley

Did really well with his back to goal and capped a strong performance with a crucial second goal to move on to double figures for the season.

Double figures: 8

Substitutes

Courtney Clarke (for Simper, 71)

Showed great energy off the bench and reaped his reward by scoring the Saddlers’ third.

Impact: 7

Andy Dallas (for Simper, 71)

Provided Walsall with more impetus in attack and it was from his rebounded effort that Clarke scored.

Improved: 6

Other subs: Sven Sprangler (for Crew, 90 +3).

Not used: Wooster, Furlong, Leak, Adomah.