Colchester United boss John Ward has vowed to stick to his beliefs - despite his side’s inconsistent form.

The U’s head into tomorrow’s game with Walsall aiming for a fourth successive home victory.

Their impressive form at the Weston Homes Community Stadium has kept them in touch of the League One play-off places.

But Colchester’s recent away results have been poor and they have not registered back-to-back wins since early November.

The U’s have been unable to reproduce the flowing football they showed earlier in the season, in recent games.

Boss Ward admitted his side’s lack of goals, particularly away from home, is a concern.

He wants his U’s side to show more consistency in front of goal.

However, Ward said he will not be deviating from his footballing principles, as Colchester bid to gain ground on the top-six.

Ward said: “We have to keep trying to do the things that we’re working at.

“We have to have confidence in what we’re doing - as a team and as a club.

“If I come in and scrap things, the whole thing just gets tipped upside down.

“The one consistent person has got to be me and we stand and fall on what we’re doing.

“I think what we do suits this football team and our club and we want to play and pass.

“It’s a question of us being strong enough mentally to stay with it.”

See Friday's Gazette for more on this story and a full preview of Colchester United's game against Walsall, including interviews with John Ward, Jimmy Walker, Bradley Hamilton and Jordan Sanderson.