COLCHESTER United interim head coach Hayden Mullins hailed his side’s ‘desire and character’ after they claimed a hugely important 2-1 win over Walsall this evening.

Goals from Ryan Clampin and Michael Folivi before half-time secured the U’s a 2-1 after they had fallen behind to James Clark’s 20th-minute opener for the Saddlers, at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Colchester’s first win in 11 matches leaves them six points above the League Two relegation zone, with four games remaining.

Mullins said: “Everyone is delighted and it’s been a long time coming.

“The way we started the game was very bright.

“We had a great chance and hit the post and then went a goal down but to show the character and the desire and the energy to come back from a goal down was fantastic and that was the most pleasing part of the day for me.

“We spoke about being bright and having the confidence to go out and attack the game today and I think we did that.

“We got done by a set play which was a sucker punch but we created enough chances today and we looked bright on the counter-attack.

“At the end when they were putting us under a lot of pressure, we still had a little bit of control, so it was really pleasing for me today to see the way the lads performed and the chances that we created.”

Clampin’s first-ever league goal proved to be Colchester’s winner, against Walsall.

The young left-back converted from the edge of the area in first-half stoppage-time, to cap a fine display.

Mullins said: “It was brilliant.

“It took a while to go in for me, stood on the sideline.

“It felt like it took an age to go in but Clamps has been brilliant and he’s been another one who’s first class, especially in the games I’ve taken charge of.

“I think going forward as well as his defending he’s been excellent and to grab a goal today is much deserved for him.

“It’s pleasing to see that the goals are coming from all different areas of the pitch.”

Mullins had made three changes to his starting line-up against Walsall, with Folivi marking his first league start since March 9 with a goal.

Mullins added: “I’m pleased for Mike (Folivi) – he’s brought us a bit of energy and a little bit of an extra goal threat which I thought he might bring and he played well.”

Colchester’s next game is their crucial Essex derby with Southend United, on Tuesday night.