JOHN Ward was full of praise for his side after Colchester United picked up a 1-0 home victory over ten-man Walsall at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Anthony Wordsworth’s first-half penalty was the difference between the sides but in truth it could have been a far more comprehensive victory.

Even before Andy Butler’s dismissal for hauling down Michail Antonio, in the lead up to the penalty, the U’s were dominating but found goalkeeper Jimmy Walker in fine form.

The veteran stopper made several superb saves, most notably denying Kayode Odejai and Ian Henderson, ensuring a nervy end to the game.

“We were comfortable when it was eleven v eleven and it was an excellent performance today,” said Ward.

“We said at half-time we would like to get three or four but it was also imporant to keep it tight at the back and we negated the shooting opportunities of Walsall and were very well-organised.

“That makes it one defeat in six now and that is a nice place to be.”

For more reaction to today’s game from Ward and Kem Izzet, read Monday’s Green-un in the East Anglian Daily Times.