Walsall 2 Tranmere 0 - match report
Second-half goals from Will Grigg and Craig Westcarr kept Walsall’s play-off challenge rolling against long-time League One leaders Tranmere at the Banks’s Stadium.
Grigg opened the scoring from the penalty spot on 50 minutes after a superb run by Febian Brandy was ended by Danny Holmes’ foul.
And Westcarr struck a 30-yard thunderbolt seven minutes later to wrap up a deserved win for Dean Smith’s in-form side.
Walsall had the better of the early chances and they were denied when an effort by Jamie Paterson was cleared off the Tranmere goal-line by defender Ash Taylor.
And Paterson was involved again when he collected a pass from Grigg and crossed for Andy Butler, whose far-post header was saved by Owain Fon Williams in the Tranmere goal.
The Saddlers continued to press and midfielder Sam Mantom was denied by the woodwork on 31 minutes.
He collected a loose ball 25 yards out and rifled a right-footed shot against the woodwork.
And, after another neat move by the home side, Paterson sent a powerful left-footed volley just over the crossbar.
Smith’s men remained on top until the interval but were unable to make a telling breakthrough.
They won a penalty, however, six minutes into the second half when a neat lay-off from Grigg sent Febian Brandy racing towards goal and, after a weaving run, he was sent tumbling by Danny Holmes.
Referee Graham Salisbury pointed immediately for a penalty – although the visitors protested that the challenge came outside the box – and Grigg struck the spot-kick coolly into the bottom corner to the left of the diving Von Williams.
Shortly afterward a flowing crossfield move ended with left-back Andy Taylor cutting in off the flank and firing a right-footed shot at Fon Williams.
And on 57 minutes they doubled their lead in spectacular fashion.
The ball fell to Westcarr 30 yards out and the forward lashed an unstoppable volley past the keeper and inside his right-hand post.
The second goal forced the visitors forward and there were some nervous moments for the Saddlers in the final half-hour.
But they held firm for an 11th win in the last 16 games with Westcarr going close again when he rolled a shot just wide from Mantom’s clever pass.
By Steve Madeley
Comments for: "Walsall 2 Tranmere 0 - match report"
Gerald Cooper
no penalties for two years & now we're getting a ruck of em, mostly from Febian Brandy wriggling through. Who said little uns can't do it?
Well donethe lads keep it going, my fiver for the playoffs at the start of the season is starting to look good, everybody laughed at me - even me!
grey
What can we say brilliant dean brilliant Walsall...
Graham
It just gets better with each game, I doubt there is a team left to play us that will fancy their chances against the saddlers. Another great night another three points
It's got to the stage now that its difficult to pick a man of the match as the team effort all round is magnificent. Well done dean. Finally it's nice to hear the fans really getting behind the lads.
Kev in Mallorca
Although I'm blue and white I grew up closer to Fellows park so Walsall's result is the second one I look for so I hope you get promoted and complete my dream swapping double!
Adeu
steve
WOW!, just .... WOW!
These guys are awesome!
Swampy Saddler
The only thing I fear now are injuries and suspensions!!! We have been awesome recently! Its a bit of a dream land! . . . . . Just hope our gates keep increasing. . . . Come on the people of Saddlersland & Saddlershire, get down the Banks's!!!!!!!