Anthony Wordsworth's first-half penalty proved enough for Colchester United to edge past ten-man Walsall with a 1-0 victory this afternoon.

The U's ended a run of four games without a win in League One in front of a crowd of 3,103 but it was far from easy for John Ward's men, against a stubborn Saddlers side.

Michail Antonio drilled a low right foot shot inches wide of the far post from the edge of the area after 12 minutes, while former U's loanee keeper Jimmy Walker saved Wordsworth's free-kick.

Walker then denied Ian Henderson before Colchester made the breakthrough just after the half hour mark.

Walsall defender Andy Butler was adjudged to have brought down Antonio in the area and after referee Simon Hooper awarded the U's a penalty, he sent Butler off.

Wordsworth converted the resultant spot-kick to give Colchester the lead and Walker needed to save from Ben Coker before half-time to prevent Colchester from adding to their lead.

The U's continued to enjoy the vast majority of possession in the second half against Walsall's ten men but struggled penetrate the visitors' defence.

Kayode Odejayi somehow headed over from underneath the crossbar and was then denied by Walker when through on goal, while Wordsworth also came close to scoring a second.

Walker made a fine one-hand save at full stretch to once again frustrate Odejayi, whose header looked to be heading in from Brian Wilson's cross.

The U's could not add to their tally before the end but Wordsworth's goal proved enough.

See Monday's Gazette for a full match report, pictures and reaction to Colchester's game with Walsall.