FEBIAN Brandy crowned a man-of-the-match performance with the winning goal against Colchester United, at the Bescot Stadium last month.

That’s why the U’s will be relieved that danger-man Brandy, who has been a prime reason for Walsall’s sudden rise up the League One table, is suspended for the quickfire return match at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Saturday.

Ex-Manchester United trainee Brandy, blessed with electric pace, bagged a 61st winner against the U’s in the west Midlands.

That kick-started a fine run from Walsall, who have gone on to win six of their last seven matches.

And winger Brandy has bagged four goals in his last six outings, following up his winner against Colchester with goals in the away wins at MK Dons (4-2) and Preston (3-1), and a 2-0 home success over Portsmouth.

However, the 23-year-old will be sidelined by a one-match suspension on Saturday, after being sent off for two bookable offences during last weekend’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth.

Walsall, facing a relegation battle before the U’s visit, are now just five points adrift of the play-off zone.