Colchester United fell to their eighth defeat in nine league and cup matches after losing 1-0 at Walsall this afternoon.

Febian Brandy's well-taken strike proved the difference between the two struggling sides, at a rain-sodden Banks's Stadium.

Walsall had slightly the better of the goalmouth opportunities, in an evenly-contested first half.

The lively Brandy's shot was deflected just wide off Tom Eastman in the early stages and then drilled a low shot across goal and wide, midway through the first half.

But Colchester also threatened, with Brian Wilson's audacious volley flying just over the bar from Freddie Sears' pass and Jabo Ibehre's lobbed effort hitting the crossbar, following John White's delivery.

Cousins made a great save to deny Will Grigg and then Brandy before the U's fell behind just after the hour when Brandy latched onto a long ball and took on Josh Thompson and Tom Eastman before drilling a low shot past Cousins.

Thompson's header hit the bar in stoppage-time but Colchester could not salvage an equaliser, as they fell to another defeat.

For a full match report, pictures and reaction to Colchester's defeat at Walsall, see Monday's Gazette.