Ecstatic Colchester United boss Steve Whitton described the U's one-goal win at Walsall as the U's biggest and best yet this season.

Whitton said after watching his team's Bescot Stadium triumph against one of the Second Division's hottest sides on Saturday: "Coming when it did after our poor result at home to Port Vale this was without doubt our biggest result of the season so far.

"It was a massive three points for us given all the circumstances. Everyone expected us to get a spanking and the win couldn't have been better timed.

For more on this game see the stories 'Soccer: Duguid delirious' and 'Soccer: Duguid the U's darling' in the drop-down menu at the bottom of this story Find out more about Colchester United "Technically it wasn't our best performance by a long way, but when the chips are down you have to be prepared to get stuck in and give it your all.

"Everything we did after all the criticism of Wednesday's display against Port Vale was positive and I couldn't have asked any more of my players, those that were actually out on the pitch and those who were watching in the stands.

"When you're in the position we are, results are of paramount importance and we had a lot of heroes out there all over the pitch giving their all to get the better of Walsall."

Whitton was particularly impressed by the outstanding performance of striker Karl Duguid, who only too often has been the target of the Layer Road boo boys this season.

He said: "As man-of-the-match performances go, Dugy was different class. He was a constant thorn in the Walsall defenders' side and when he wasn't running them ragged he was back doing more than his share of defending or helping out in midfield.

"But Dugy was only one of a number of players who shone brightly throughout the match.

"I thought Alan White and Ross Johnson were outstanding at the heart of what was a magnificent all-round defence and when called upon Andy Woodman in goal was top-class.

"Barry Conlon put the winning goal away well and the whole performance will give us great confidence to go away and win anywhere from now on."

But the U's boss warned: "Let's not forget - it's a long season and our fate will not be decided by one good or bad result."

Meanwhile, Whitton has given up hope that Lomana Tresor Lua Lua will be coming back to Layer Road on loan.

He said: "Newcastle have not responded to my call so I take that as a no."

But he did reveal he is still pursuing the possibility of signing Brentford midfielder Paul Evans.

He said: "I have lodged an improved offer for Evans, but Brentford have turned it down and I don't intend to get caught up in an auction to sign any player."

U's players crowd round to congratulate goalscorer Barry Conlon

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