Report: Walsall 1-0 Crewe - No Christmas cracker but Walsall stay top of the tree

Football is often compared to theatre, but this was not a performance destined to live long in the memory, nor a Boxing Day blockbuster. Still, three points carry the same value regardless of how they are earned.

The Saddlers were top of the League Two tree at Christmas and remain standing tall after a hard-fought victory over Crewe Alexandra, moving three points clear heading into the final match of the calendar year.

Skipper Jamille Matt ensured there would be no festive derailment with the simplest of finishes, as Mat Sadler’s side strengthened their chances of ending the year top of the table for a second consecutive campaign.

It took until first-half stoppage time for any joy in the stands. Walsall were largely uninspiring as Crewe managed the game well, but the hosts struck moments before the interval, Matt applying the finish from close range to hand his side a precious lead.

The mood around the club before kick-off was one of cheer and anticipation, with supporters hoping a Boxing Day victory would provide the perfect late Christmas present.

Yet beneath the festive spirit lingered a note of caution. Fans need little reminding of last season’s tale, when Walsall were also top at Christmas before tumbling from their perch in the second half of the campaign and ultimately missing out on promotion.

This year’s position brings renewed belief alongside bruising memories - encouragement from where they stand, tempered by the knowledge that being festive frontrunners counts for little unless momentum is carried into the spring.

Goals may not have flowed freely for the division’s leaders, but once again their organisation and resilience proved decisive, with Crewe prevented from building any sustained head of steam.

Unbeaten on Boxing Day since 2020, Walsall extended that run with victory and made it six league matches without defeat, and defeated Crewe as they did on Boxing Day two years ago. 

Sadler welcomed Rico Browne, Brandon Comley, Vincent Harper and Jamie Jellis into the starting XI, and in delightful Boxing Day sunshine and crisp, cold air, supporters piled into the Bescot Stadium to back their table-toppers.

The opening exchanges failed to ignite, with Walsall patient in possession and Crewe forced to play out from the back under heavy pressure. Brandon Comley was the first to test Crewe goalkeeper Sam Waller with a stinging effort around the 10-minute mark. It was dealt with comfortably.

At the other end, defender Aden Flint was called upon to play the hero, leaping like a salmon to head clear from beneath his own crossbar.

After another quiet spell, a well-worked move down the right flank ended with Connor Barrett crossing for a leaping Vincent Harper, whose goal-bound effort was blocked.

Sadler was left scratching his head in the dugout during the opening 20 minutes, conversing with his coaching staff as he searched for defensive weaknesses to exploit. He applauded the work of his forwards and midfielders, who continued to press and force Crewe deep.

The first half echoed October’s encounter against Bristol Rovers at Bescot, where Walsall struggled to create clear openings and went into the interval searching for greater purpose.

However, just moments before the break, the Saddlers finally found a way through. Relief swept around the ground as Matt was on hand to tap home after Flint’s header was saved in added time.

Courtney Clarke replaced Jamie Jellis at the break, and within minutes the substitute saw an effort blocked as Walsall looked to add to their lead.

Flint continued to be a rock at the back, heading and clearing everything in his path - a trait that has underpinned Walsall’s season so far. He also remained a threat at the other end, holding his head in his hands after firing wide following a scrappy goalmouth scramble.

Barrett remained lively and fired wide on two occasions. With just under 20 minutes remaining, Sadler introduced Albert Adomah and Aaron Pressley in place of Matt and Daniel Kanu.

It was almost a dream return from injury for Pressley, who fired low into the side-netting after a blistering run and pass from Barrett, with supporters momentarily poised to celebrate.

Walsall defended resolutely as Crewe rallied late on with corner after corner. And, while they did not create chances in abundance, Walsall found the goal that mattered. 

It was another disciplined and controlled display ensured the Saddlers remain firmly in command of the League Two title race.

Walsall (3-5-2): Roberts, Weir, Flint, Browne; Barrett, Comley, Finnigan (Lakin, 90), Jellis (Clarke, 46), Harper (Okeke,90); Kanu (Pressley, 71), Matt (Adomah, 71)

Subs: Hornby, Cox. 

Attendance: 7,609 

Referee: Simon Mather