Harrogate 0-2 Walsall - report: Saddlers return to winning ways at Wetherby Road

Daniel Kanu opened the scoring with a confident finish late in the first half and Priestley Farquharson sealed the win with a powerful header three minutes from time.

The win propelled Walsall back to the League Two summit ahead of the 3pm kick-offs, with Swindon Town requiring a victory at home to Grimsby Town to reclaim top spot.

Mat Sadler was bold with his selection and made a total of four changes from the team that started the Saddlers' 2-0 defeat against Colchester United last weekend. 

Farquharson replaced Rico Browne in defence for his first league start in over 15 months and Jamille Matt started in the league for the first time this season at the expense of Aaron Pressley. 

Jid Okeke and Lewis Warrington were also recalled, as Connor Barrett and Courtney Clarke dropped to the bench.

Walsall carried the greater attacking threat and forced James Belshaw into action early on when Ryan Finnigan's deflected effort was smartly turned behind by the Harrogate goalkeeper.

Okeke constantly asked questions of Regan Slater with his direct style and the German-born wing-back served as a real outlet on the right. 

Belshaw kept Harrogate in the game again with another fine save after he stooped low to his left to palm behind Charlie Lakin's powerful low volley. 

The Saddlers came even closer from the resulting corner when Kanu saw his effort cleared off the line by Anthony O'Connor.

Kanu struck right on the cusp of half-time with his seventh goal of the season in all competitions after racing on to a through ball by Jamille Matt. The Charlton loanee turned O'Connor inside out before steering his finish into the far bottom corner.

Harrogate enjoyed their best spell at the start of the second half and Aden Flint had to be alert to prevent Levi Sutton's deflected effort from beating Myles Roberts. 

The Walsall goalkeeper was called upon for the first time when Shawn McCoulsky broke down the right, but only a routine save was required to thwart his tame finish from a tight angle.

Brandon Comley replaced Lewis Warrington midway into the second half and stung the palms of Belshaw with a speculative effort from distance.

Fellow substitute Courtney Clarke drew a near post save from Belshaw, before Farquharson emerged among a crowd inside the box to head home the resulting corner.

Belshaw managed to get a glove to the ball, but it squirmed under his body, as Walsall put the seal on the win late on.

Next, Walsall welcome Bromley to Bescot on Saturday next week, before travelling to Stevenage in the EFL Trophy round of 32.

Teams

Walsall (3-1-4-2): Roberts; Farquharson (Browne 88), Flint, Weir; Warrington (Comley 65); Okeke, Finnigan, Lakin (Clarke 78), Harper; Matt (c - Adomah 78), Kanu (Roofe 88).

Not used: Hornby, Barrett.

Harrogate (4-2-3-1): Belshaw; Slater, Burrell, O'Connor, Asare; Evans, Morris (Smith 56); Sutton (Fox 72), Muldoon, Cursons (Duke-McKenna 56); McCoulsky. 

Not used: Oxley, Etherington, Falkingham, Jameson.

Other details 

Referee: Aaron Bannister

Attendance: 3,249 (602)