Colchester United manager John Ward described his side's performance as “excellent” after seeing them register a deserved 2-0 win over Walsall this afternoon.

Goals from David Perkins and David Mooney in either half saw the U's close to within four points of the play-off places, in League One.

Indeed, Colchester's margin of victory might have been greater had it not been for a combination of the woodwork, good defending and a fine performance by former U's goalkeeper, Jimmy Walker.

Ward said: “The performance was excellent.

“Walsall went for it as well and Dean (Smith) set his team up to be very attack-minded.

“We haven't put away the chances we created and I'm thinking with ten minutes to go, I hope we don't pay for it.

“But it's a great clean sheet because we're not renowned for that and that's something I'm pleased about, as much as getting the goals.

“It was an awkward day for defenders because it was a very wet pitch and in the main, I felt our two centre-backs Matthew Heath and Nathan Clarke dealt with everything very well and cleared their lines.

“That's why it's been an excellent afternoon for us.”

Meanwhile, Ward admitted he was not convinced that Colchester should have been awarded a penalty.

David Mooney scored from the spot 11 minutes after half-time, after Aaron Lescott was penalised for a foul on Ian Henderson.

“I'm not sure it was a penalty,” added Ward.

“I say what I see and I'm not sure but what can you do?”

See Monday's Gazette for more reaction, pictures and a full match report from Colchester United's win over Walsall.