Walker is the star as Yeovil are slayed
FORMER Yeovil goalkeeper Sam Walker made the difference on his return to Huish Park as Colchester ended a run of five successive League One defeats.
Craig Eastmond’s 72nd-minute goal earned the Essex side three points, but it was Walker’s display that ensured they claimed victory.
The 23-year-old played 20 games for the Glovers on loan from Chelsea in 2012 before making a permanent switch to Colchester.
And he produced a man-of-the-match performance to keep his former club at bay, making outstanding saves to deny both Simon Gillett and Tom Eaves.
Yeovil manager Gary Johnson, who took Walker on loan to both Northampton and the Glovers, said:“We know all about Sam and he made some brilliant saves here. Two of them in particular were outstanding and helped Colchester get the win.
“We didn’t create enough chances and those we did create we didn’t manage to put away so we need to be more clinical in front of goal.
“It was a disappointing performance and we were flat. They showed more quality in possession and we didn’t look like winning the game.
“We didn't do enough and we need to evaluate what needs to be done very quickly.”
Colchester had lost five games in a row to slump into the League One relegation zone but moved above the Glovers with victory in South Somerset.
United’s performance wasn’t particularly eyecatching but boss Tony Humes was simply pleased to finally stop the rot.
He said:“It didn't matter how we won, we just needed a win for the players’ belief and confidence however it came here.
“I thought we worked our socks off and whether we deserved it or not I don't care, we got a valuable win.
“At this stage of the season a win is so important and it means we’ve started off the Christmas period in the best way possible.
“Sam made a couple of great saves for us and apart from that I thought we limited them to long balls into the box.
“When they did that, Sam’s decision-making was very good.”
Yeovil had the best chance of a scrappy first half, with Walker reacting superbly to keep out Gillett’s volley from close range.
After the break, the United goalkeeper tipped over an effort from Sam Foley before pulling off another stop to keep out Eaves’ back post header.
And that set the platform for Eastmond’s winner, with the former Arsenal trainee bursting forward from midfield to convert.