Walsall’s wobble at the top of League Two continued after they lost 2-1 at in-form Colchester.

The U’s came close to scoring in the fourth minute when Harry Anderson’s low strike flashed inches past the far post, while Walsall almost went ahead seven minutes before the break when Charlie Lakin’s cross-shot whistled wide.

The Saddlers broke the deadlock in the 65th minute through Lakin, who rifled home after Ellis Harrison had cushioned Oisin McEntee’s cross into his path.

But Colchester levelled four minutes later when Teddy Bishop fired in from just inside the area following a scramble in the box.

And the U’s took a 75th-minute lead through Owura Edwards, who collected Ellis Iandolo’s pass midway inside the Walsall half before curling a magnificent shot home from 20 yards.

Things got even worse for Walsall three minutes later when Taylor Allen was shown a second yellow card for tangling off the ball with Bishop as the visitors’ winless run stretched to four matches.