Walsall’s six match unbeaten run came to an end as Colchester United came from behind to win at the Jobserve Community Stadium.
The Saddlers opened the scoring after 20 minutes through James Clarke but a spirited U’s side turned the game around with goals from Michael Folivi and Ryan Clampin.
Brian Dutton made two changes to the team that beat Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday night.
Hayden White and Caolan Lavery both came into the team in place of Tom Leak and Rory Holden.
The Saddlers made a slow start and almost fell behind after 10 minutes as Callum Harriott curled an effort off the post.
It was Dutton’s side who landed the first blow 10 minutes later. Emmanuel Osadebe won a corner after his shot was blocked. Tyreik Wright sent it into the box and Caolan Lavery flicked it on into the path of Clarke who prodded home at the back post.
Colchester were in desperate need of a result and looked to respond as they went in search of an equaliser. Michael Folivi tried his luck with an acrobatic volley inside the box but his effort was off target.
Folivi got his goal at the second time of asking on 36 minutes when he pounced on a shot that came back off the post and applied the finish. The Saddlers were aggrieved as they felt Mat Sadler was pushed in the build-up.
The U’s grew in confidence after their equaliser and had a couple good opportunities through Harry Pell and Folivi.
Colchester were the team on top and they turned the game on its head right on the stroke of half time when Clampin found the back of the net with a crisp strike from outside the box and the hosts went into the break with a deserved lead on the balance of play.
The hosts made a bright start to the second half and had a chance early on through Noah Chilvers but his effort was stopped by Rose.
Dutton made a double change on the hour mark as he introduced Wes McDonald and Alfie Bates in place of Wright and Liam Kinsella.
Walsall carved out their first opportunity of the second half two minutes later when Lavery linked up with Osadebe before he unleashed a powerful strike that but it flew over the bar.
Colchester continued to battle well and make life difficult for the Saddlers who found it difficult to create many clear-cut openings in the second half.
The Saddlers had a late appeal for a penalty when Sadler looked to have been nudged over in the box but the referee wasn’t interested.
Colchester held on and picked up the victory.
Rose; White, Clarke, Sadler, Melbourne; Kinsella (Bates), Perry, Osadebe (Osei Yaw), Wright (McDonald); Lavery, Gordon
Sub: Roberts, Norman, Leak, Willis