Stuttering Walsall replaced at summit after defeat to in-form Colchester

Walsall lost their grip on top spot in League Two as they fell 2-0 at home to improving Colchester.

First-half goals from Samson Tovide and Kyreece Lisbie lifted the U’s up to 14th with a fourth league win in six games while the Saddlers dropped to second after a third defeat in four.

Colchester took a deserved lead 21 minutes in, Harry Anderson punishing sleepy Walsall defending from a deep free-kick to square for Tovide to tap home from close range.

The U’s doubled their advantage after 42 minutes with Tovide turning provider as he raced down the left before producing a pinpoint cross for the fast-arriving Lisbie to slam into the roof of the net.

It took until the final 20 minutes for Walsall to come to life as Jid Okeke stung Matt Macey’s palms from a tight angle and Charlie Lakin also forced the U’s goalkeeper into a low save.

But not even a debut off the bench from new signing Kemar Roofe, the former Leeds and Rangers striker, could spark a comeback.