The Saddlers welcome Colchester United to a likely rain soaked Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium….
The Opposition
Colchester were challenging for a playoff place towards the end of last season but 2 draws and 2 losses in their last 4 games meant they missed out by 3 points and finished 10th.
The Proposition
The Saddlers come into this game having scored 7 goals in their last 2 games. Daniel Kanu will be looking to add to his tally after scoring in both of those games. Walsall still sit top of the table on goal difference, but only 4 points separates 1st to 8th so they will hope to extend their winning run and keep the pressure off.
Colchester find themselves in 16th mainly due a start of the season where they only won 1 of the first 10 League games, with 4 losses and 5 draws. They have however picked up with 3 wins out of their last 5 League games, although their last League outing was a 0-2 home loss to Bromley. Their last game was a 2-0 home win in the EFL Trophy against Fulham U21’s.
The First Time
The first meeting between the sides was in Division Three (South) on the 18th November 1950, which resulted in a 0-1 away win for the Saddlers.
The Worst Time
On 14th February 1953, the Saddlers lost 6-1 away in another Division Three (South) game..
The Last Time
The last meeting with Colchester was in League Two on 8th February 2025 and was a 2-1 away loss for the Saddlers.
Played for both
Joseph Edwards plays for and captains League One side Plymouth Argyle, as a full-back or midfielder.
Edwards began his career with Aston Villa and then Bristol City, where he rose through the youth ranks to graduate from the club’s academy. He made his professional debut for the club in February 2011 following a loan spell at Conference Premier side Bath City. He was again loaned out in the 2011–12 season to Stockport County and Yeovil Town. Following a second loan spell with Yeovil in the 2012–13 season, he joined the club permanently in January 2013. He helped the club reach the Championship for the first time in their history, but suffered relegation after just one season. He was appointed captain for the 2014–15 season, but the club were relegated for the second season in succession. After spells with Colchester and Walsall, he signed for Plymouth where he now has over 200 appearances and 22 goals. He was briefly joint caretaker manager for Plymouth in 24/25.
Colchester United
In 2015 it was announced Colchester United had signed Edwards on a free transfer, joining on a one-year contract with the option of a further year.
After scoring two goals in 45 games for Colchester, the club announced that Edwards would not be offered a new contract for the 2016–17 season following their relegation to League Two.
Walsall
He signed for Walsall in 2016. He had his most prolific season for the Saddlers in 2017–18, when he scored 7 goals in 30 league games, and earned a new contract.
Edwards was released by Walsall at the end of the 2018–19 season, following the club’s relegation to League Two.
Also:
Sam Hornby, Brandon Comley, Jabo Ibehre…
Comment if you know any more!!!
Lump On
Colchesters last League game was a 0-2 home loss to Bromley. In comparison the Saddlers put 4 past Newport County in a classic 4-2 lump on victory. Our overall record against Colchester is slightly in our favour at W28/D24/L26.
Lump Off
Colchester have won 3 of their last 5, which included a 6-2 drubbing of Chesterfield.
Goal Tally (sponsored by Owly McOwlface)
Daniel Kanu - 6
Aaron Pressley - 4
Evan Weir - 4
Connor Barrett - 3
Albert Adomah – 3
Ryan Finnigan - 3
Harrison Burke - 1
Charlie Lakin - 1
Jid Okeke - 1
Aden Flint - 1
Jamille Matt - 1
Rico Browne - 1
UTS Match Poll
- Walsall Win
- Draw
- Colchester Win
