Walsall reserves finish on a goalless draw

Walsall reserves rounded off their season with a drab goal-less draw at home to Tranmere.

The Saddlers string had scored 15 goals in their previous two games, but where held at Chasetown's Scholars Ground.

But with most of the regulars having played the previous night's Walsall Senior Cup win over Chasetown, continuing that streak was always going to be a tough ask.

But a Walsall side which comprised mainly of youth team players, together with first teamers Paul Downing and Ashley Grimes and on trial Telford goalkeeper James Montgomery.

They put up a decent showing against a more experienced Rovers outfit - even if entertainment was thin on the ground.

The first half would have been unremarkable but for a fine goal line clearance by Saddlers defender Raekwan Smith.

A misjudgement by Montgomery had allowed Jake Kirby the chance of an open net. Smith showed great composure to not only block the shot, but get the ball away from danger.

Walsall captain Jordan Sangha looked to force the issue early in the second-half, but saw his shot from distance deflected wide.

Tranmere then enjoyed their best spell and should have taken the lead when Cole Stockton got in behind the home defence, but he crashed his shot over the bar.

Kirby then sent a header against the bar from substitute Jay Hunter's cross.

It was the closest anyone would come, with the Saddlers holding the upper hand over the final half an hour without being able to breach the Rovers defence.

Sangha's shot from distance was palmed away by Luke Pilling in the Rovers goal, while Nathan Owen drove an effort over from a good position.

There was still time for Pilling to deny Sangha again, this time tipping his shot round the post.

Walsall: Montgomery, Roberts, Lewis, Sangha (c), Downing, Smith, Oliver, Owen, Pooni (Bakayoko 90), Grimes (Heath 59), Kouhyar.

Substitutes not used: Jezeph (GK), Rowley.