THE cheers of joy and relief that rang out at a near-empty JobServe Community Stadium at around 7.30pm on Saturday night were palpable.

Had U’s fans been allowed in the venue, they no doubt would have been heard all across Colchester as many no doubt were, after cheering from behind their laptops.

The animated reaction from the club’s players and staff in the aftermath of Colchester’s 2-1 win over Walsall was understandable, given the situation they are in and how important the victory was, as they battle to avoid relegation from League Two.

Ironically, it was the most raucous the U’s had been all evening, such was the composure they showed throughout in producing an impressive all-round display in what was a crucial game.

And much of that coolness under intense pressure – after all, Colchester knew that this was effectively a must-win match given the games to come - was a reflection of their interim head coach Hayden Mullins, whose calm authority has been impressive, so far.

Mullins, assisted by the vastly experienced Paul Tisdale, has approached this difficult challenge with commendable composure so far, much like he did those he encountered on the pitch as a player.

And that seemed to be a big factor against Walsall.

It was a time for cool heads and Colchester managed the game very well, having come from behind to lead following the early setback of conceding to James Clarke’s goal.

Michael Folivi’s close-range finish and Ryan Clampin’s first-ever league goal turned things around for the U’s.

And their margin of victory might well have been greater, by the final whistle.

Mullins’ key choice to revert to a 4-4-2 formation – and recall Folivi and Noah Chilvers to the starting line-up – paid dividends and proved to be the correct choice, for a crucial game.

Folivi and Frank Nouble linked up well in attack, along with Callum Harriott.

And even when Harriott was forced off at the break following a cynical challenge by Walsall’s Tyreik Wright, a tweak in system and the presence of Ben Stevenson – and his quality on the ball – helped the U’s maintain the momentum they had gained in the opening period.

At the other end, Colchester were solid throughout aside from one concentration lapse from a set piece which cost them a goal, another reminder of how it is essential to remain focused throughout any game.

But this was without doubt, one of the U's best performances of the season.

And it produced a win that leaves them six points above the relegation zone with four games remaining.

Their next match, of course, is a crucial Essex derby against Southend United, on Tuesday night.

It has certainly given the U’s some breathing space – but the battle is not over yet.

As skipper Harry Pell wrote on social media last night - never get too high with the highs, or low with the lows.

Colchester must show the same intensity, desire and commitment – along with the quality they undoubtedly have – against their county rivals, who will be desperate to win to give themselves any chance of staying up.

The win over Walsall was vital but it will effectively be all for nothing if the U’s are beaten on Tuesday night, especially with Grimsby Town now battling hard to stay in the division and showing signs that they are capable of doing so.

Nevertheless, Colchester’s performance and result against the Saddlers was one to be savoured in the context of this most testing of seasons – and one they must attempt to replicate in the remaining weeks of the campaign.