Walsall analysis: Saddlers' midseason blip descends into an alarming rut after Colchester defeat

It felt that very little was stopping them. Then, Bradford inflicted a 3-0 defeat on the runaway League Two leaders at Valley Parade and Walsall have been unable to recover since, especially on the road. 

The 2-2 comeback draw against Salford City at Bescot is the only point that Walsall have mustered from the last 12 available. And their regression on the road of late is a major cause for concern. 

Walsall equalled their tally of 23 points on their travels from the previous campaign when they came from behind to beat Notts County on New Year's Day. Since, the Saddlers have suffered three away defeats on the spin in League Two for the first time during the Mat Sadler era.

So, what has gone wrong? Clearly confidence has taken a massive hit and Walsall look a shadow of the team which sunk fellow promotion contenders such as Notts County, Doncaster Rovers, AFC Wimbledon and Port Vale. 

Those results could prove even more crucial as Walsall continue to allow the chasing pack to close the gap. Notts County moved to within six points of the summit after climbing into second spot with a 2-0 victory over Morecambe at Meadow Lane. 

Sadler made three changes from the previous draw against Salford. Oisin McEntee was recalled to defence, with Harry Williams struggling with a minor issue, while Jamille Matt was immediately thrown back into the XI following his recovery from a hamstring injury. 

He was partnered in attack by debutant Ellis Harrison, who joined Walsall on loan from fellow League Two rivals MK Dons on deadline day. But Colchester made the brighter start, as Jack Payne and Teddy Bishop operated between the lines, and Owura Edwards raided the left to leave Connor Barrett, and in particular McEntee, in his wake. 

The tricky winger was a nuisance throughout and carved out an early opening when he raced away from McEntee and squared for Harry Anderson to curl his shot wide. 

Neither goalkeeper was tested in a rather drab first half but Walsall still lacked fluency in possession and offered very little attacking threat. 

Walsall took the lead midway into the second half when Charlie Lakin doubled his league tally with his second of the season. It was a nicely worked move from Walsall which started with a darting run down the right from McEntee. 

The Irishman delivered a low cross into the feet of Harrison, who with his back to goal, deftly teed up Lakin to drive a low finish beyond the reach of Colchester goalkeeper Matt Macey. 

But if Walsall fans thought that they would be returning to winning ways then they would be mistaken. Instead, an inexplicable capitulation unfolded as Walsall threw away the game in the space of six second half minutes.

Sadler replaced Matt with Albert Adomah after Walsall took the lead despite having two recognised centre-forwards in the form of Levi Amantchi and Danny Johnson on the bench. 

As a result, Walsall lacked a focal point in attack and Colchester immediately moved on to the front foot after falling behind. 

Edwards, Walsall's tormentor in chief, skipped past Barrett with ease and drilled another low ball to the edge of the box. Payne took aim and Simkin could only parry his effort back into the danger area. 

Adomah and David Okagbue failed to clear their lines and were mercilessly punished when Bishop lashed his finish beyond the reach of Simkin. 

The momentum was very much with Colchester and they made Walsall pay. Edwards capped his strong display with the decisive goal, when he was afforded an abyss of space by McEntee to cut inside, before unleashing an unstoppable strike into the far top corner from distance. 

Heads dropped in that moment. Sadler vented his frustrations to the officials after complaining that Colchester scored from what should've been a Walsall throw-in and was booked for his protests. 

Emotions reached fever pitch when Taylor Allen marked his 100th appearance for the club in the worst possible fashion. He had been booked in the first half for pulling back Lyle Taylor and kicked out at Payne to receive his marching orders 12 minutes from time. 

Allen, to his credit, took the decision on his own accord to face the media after the game, and accepted responsibility for his actions. 

But there are too many players who're out-of-form, with Barrett struggling to regain his early season momentum and Allen and Ryan Stirk not quite hitting their previous heights. 

Sadler has talked about the importance of the squad and that everyone will play their part. So perhaps it may be time to freshen things up, with Walsall needing to turn the tide against Gillingham at Bescot on Monday.