Kevin Lisbie scored twice as Colchester United beat Walsall 2-1 at the Weston Homes Community Stadium this afternoon.

The U's extended their unbeaten run to nine matches under manager Aidy Boothroyd and made it four wins out of four at home, with a narrow victory over the Saddlers.

Walsall shaded the first half and almost went ahead in the seventh minute when Mark Bradley headed Peter Till's cross just wide from close range.

Kayode Odejayi had an effort ruled out for offside for Colchester before the U's took the lead after 26 minutes.

Goalkeeper Ben Williams' long kick was helped towards goal by Clive Platt and after Odejayi's touch, Platt's goalbound effort was flicked into the net by Kevin Lisbie from close range.

But Colchester's lead lasted barely a minute.

Bradley won the ball just inside the Colchester half and set Darren Byfield away.

He beat the offside trap and composed himself before firing into the roof of the net for 1-1.

Former Ipswich Town midfielder Matt Richards scooped over from close range early in the second half for Walsall but the U's warmed up after that.

Keeper Clayton Ince denied both Odejayi and Lisbie, before Colchester restored their lead just after the hour mark.

Josh Payne, making his U's debut after arriving on loan from West Ham United, was tripped in the box by Mark Hughes and Lisbie slotted home his second goal of the match from the penalty spot.

Platt then had an effort chalked off for a foul by Odejayi on goalkeeper Ince, while at the other end, Williams made a fine save to foil Richards' stinging shot.

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