Bond header gives Colchester United victory at Bescot Stadium (From Gazette)

Bond header gives Colchester United victory at Bescot Stadium

4:51pm Saturday 4th September 2010 in

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A late headed goal by Andrew Bond gave Colchester United a 1-0 win at Walsall this afternoon and extended their unbeaten league run to five matches.

Bond headed in Brian Wilson's cross with eight minutes to go for his third goal of the season to give John Ward's side victory at the Bescot Stadium and send the U's 300 travelling fans back to Essex happy.

Chances were few and far between for both teams.

U's goalkeeper Mark Cousins saved from Matt Richards and Jon Macken in the opening stages, while at the other end, Bond came agonisingly close to connecting with Wilson's low cross, on the stroke of half-time.

The second half was a similiarly tight affair, with neither team able to stamp their authority on the match.

Saddlers substitute Darren Byfield forced Cousins into a save while at the other end, Kayode Odejayi flashed a shot wide after being sent through by Anthony Wordsworth.

But shortly after Byfield had struck the near post for Walsall, the U's finally made the breakthrough.

Wilson escaped down the right and sent in a deep cross for Bond to head home at the far post, despite Clayton McDonald's desperate attempts to clear on the line.

There was still time for Byfield to blast over with the goal gaping after finding himself through on goal but the U's held on for another fine away win.

For a full match report, pictures and reaction from Colchester United's game at Walsall, see Monday's Gazette.