Five talking points from Colchester United's draw with Walsall

Being boring

WHEN a manager openly speaks about being bored watching his own team’s game, you know it has not been a classic.

Walsall boss Darrell Clarke was refreshingly honest in his assessment of his side’s 0-0 draw at Colchester United – any many will have shared his opinion.

The goal-less affair will certainly not live long in the memory, on a day when defences were most certainly on top.

On the plus side, the U’s looked defensively sound again, keeping a third straight clean sheet.

Taking its toll

JOHN McGreal did not want to make excuses for his side’s rather disappointing showing in front of goal against Walsall.

But the U’s head coach was right to point out their recent exertions, which have seen them play ten matches in the space of barely a month.

Colchester lacked their usual zip and guile in attack, which was a shame given the quality they had on the pitch.

A mental tiredness showed; they made the wrong decisions at times and failed to make the most of promising opportunities in the final third.

Welcome return

ONE of the main positives for Colchester United yesterday was the return of Tom Lapslie to their starting line-up.

The tenacious midfielder has been out for more than three weeks with a quad injury but made a welcome comeback against Walsall.

Lapslie only returned to training last week but was desperate to play and in typical fashion, he held nothing back after producing a typically committed performance.

A familiar name

THE more eagle-eyed Colchester United fans will have noticed a familiar U’s name in the visitors’ line-up yesterday.

Liam Kinsella – the son of former U’s star Mark Kinsella – featured in the heart of the Walsall midfield against the U’s.

He has a similar style to his famous father, who made his name at Layer Road in the early nineties before going on to have an illustrious playing career at both domestic and international level.

Matt finish

COLCHESTER United waved farewell to one of their most long-serving and popular employees yesterday.

After 18 years working in the club’s media department, Matt Hudson is moving on to pastures new.

It was a nice touch to see him lead out the teams before kick-off.

So too was the richly-deserved warm applause that broke out around the JobServe Community Stadium in the 18th minute, in tribute to Matt’s fantastic commitment and service.

As a U’s fan, it probably won’t be long before he is back at the club in a supporting capacity but until then, good luck Matt and thank you.