Tranmere 1-3 Walsall report: Saddlers register their first win of 2026

Priestley Farquharson headed Walsall into a 37th-minute lead, before Daniel Kanu moved on to 11 league goals with a composed finish before half-time. 

Jamille Matt added a third with a firm header from Aden Flint's cross, but Joe Ironside added a late consolation for the hosts.

Mat Sadler made two changes from the team which started the Saddlers' 5-1 defeat at Norwich City in the FA Cup last weekend. 

New signing Pattison started on his league debut at the expense of Charlie Lakin and Matt was given the nod in attack after Aaron Pressley picked up a knock.

Walsall were the side asking the early question and forced Jack Barrett into action inside the opening 70 seconds when Matt met Farquharson's long throw with a glancing header. 

Jamie Jellis looped another header on to the roof of the net after Brandon Comley delivered from a second ball, before Kanu was unable to connect with a low centre by Jellis. 

The game became somewhat scrappy in the middle of the first half, as Ethan Bristow dragged an effort wide after escaping the attentions of Connor Barrett. 

Farquharson provided the opener in the 37th-minute when he emerged at the back post to head Weir's corner beyond the reach of Tranmere goalkeeper Barrett.

Walsall had the bit between their teeth and doubled their advantage on the cusp of half-time when Kanu rolled in his 14th goal of the season in all competitions. 

Pattison won the ball 30 yards from goal and slotted a pass into the path of Kanu, who calmly rounded Jack Barrett and kept his composure to convert.

Weir came close to scoring directly from a corner when his in-swinging delivery spun dangerously towards the underside of the crossbar, but Jack Barrett adjusted to tip it over. 

The home fans were becoming increasingly disgruntled and Walsall seized the moment when they extended their advantage just before the midway point of the second half. 

Flint picked the ball up on the right and delivered a sumptuous cross for Matt to plant an unerring header into the bottom corner. 

The 36-year-old netted his sixth goal in seven games against Tranmere and extended his season tally to three in all competitions.

Fulham loanee Aaron Loupalo-Bi was introduced for his Walsall bow and was later joined by fellow debutant Kacper Lopata, who has joined on loan from Barnsley.

Substitute Ironside marked his emergence from the bench with a late consolation when he headed past Myles Roberts after meeting Sam Finley's flick-on. 

Next, Walsall welcome Crawley Town to Bescot on Saturday next week for their first home fixture of 2026.

Teams 

Tranmere (3-4-1-2): Barrett; McGowan, Smith, Tamen; Bristow (Norman 78), Finley, Smallwood (Dennis 78), Joseph (Brough 78); Whitaker; Jennings, Jones (Ironside 78).

Not used: Davison, Kenneh.

Walsall (3-1-4-2): Roberts; Farquharson, Flint, Weir (Lopata 87); Comley; Barrett, Jellis, Pattison (Lakin 76), Harper; Kanu (Adomah 87), Matt (Loupalo-Bi 76).

Not used: Hornby, Richards, Clarke.

Other details 

Referee: Darren Drysdale