Walsall analysis: Plenty of chances, but no goals in successive Saddlers defeat
Walsall have had no issue creating chances of late, but converting them has become problematic, and in the past two games, costly.
By full-time, Walsall had registered 14 shots, including six on target. It was not quite as emphatic as the tally of 24 shots and 11 on target in the defeat against Barrow, but a familiar theme unfolded.
Walsall carried the greater attacking threat throughout, and had chances, even in a first half, which was not particularly pulsating.
The best of those opportunities fell to Aaron Pressley, who failed to take advantage, just as he did when he headed on to the post from point-blank range the previous weekend.
Pressley and Daniel Kanu have shown strong signs as an attacking duo this season, but it never really clicked for the pair in Gloucestershire.
Kanu appeared to swivel away from his man with every turn against Barrow, whereas he was unable to catch a break against an organised Cheltenham back-line.
The only time Kanu really threatened was when he linked effectively with Connor Barrett down the right, before firing a tame shot at Day on the turn.
Rico Browne, deputising for the injured Harrison Burke again, picked up some good attacking positions, and was also denied by Day from an acute angle.
Burke has missed the past three games with a knee injury and will be fighting to be fit for the trip to Eastleigh in the FA Cup first round on Sunday.
The threat largely came from the wide areas, especially through Jid Okeke, who made his first league start after Vincent Harper missed out with a minor knee issue.
Sadler confirmed afterwards that Harper will once again be in contention for the visit of Chelsea under-21s in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night.
