Walsall FC 1 Crewe 1 - match report

Chuks Aneke's strike six minute into the second half looked to have condemned the Saddlers to a fifth straight defeat.

But under pressure from Michael Ngoo, Ellis headed past visiting keeper Ben Garratt.

Milan Lalkovic then nearly won it in stoppage time but his shot crashed against the bar.

Saddlers boss Dean Smith made just one change to the team which lost 3-0 to Wolves on Saturday, with Craig Westcarr returning to the starting line-up in place of Lalkovic.

There was little to excite the sparse crowd during the opening period with Febian Brandy proving the first real moment of quality 18 minutes in, when turned Jon Guthrie before seeing his shot deflected behind.

Cameron Park then saw a shot blocked for Crewe while at the other end Westcarr saw an effort deflected behind. From the corner, home skipper Andy Butler was inches away from opening the scoring with a header which flashed over the bar, after the kick had been taken short to Andy Taylor.

That was about it for the hosts in terms of chances and the half in general, the only other chance of note a Chuks Aneke shot which home keeper Richard O'Donnell did well to get behind.

Lalkovic came on at half-time in place of the ineffective Hewitt and the Saddlers looked brighter early on. Westcarr saw one shot blocked and drove another over the bar on the turn from eight yards out.

But six minutes into the second period they fell behind. Featherstone was guilty of giving away the ball in midfield and though Pogba's initial effort from Matt Tootle's cross was well blocked by Butler, Aneke was on hand to slot home the rebound.

Adam Chambers had a shot blocked as the Saddlers looked for a quick response and the hosts did manage to force several corners.

The introduction of Ngoo almost paid instant dividends as the big striker hit the post from close range after being fed by Brandy. At the other end Pogba sliced horribly wide from a Park cross, while Inman had a shot blocked as the visitors remained dangerous on the counter-attack.

James McQuilkin was given a rare run out late on as he replaced Featherstone and almost provided the equaliser when he flashed a shot just wide from distance.

But with time running out it was unlucky Ellis to the rescue as he nodded James Chambers' cross past a helpless Garratt.

Lalkovic then thought he had won it in stoppage time with a fierce half-volley which hit the underside of the bar, with Garratt perhaps getting a slight touch.