Cheltenham Town go unbeaten in eight as they come back against an unfortunate Walsall

The Saddlers, who had been left in charge by Brian Dutton following Darrel Clarke’s departure to fellow League Two outfit, Port Vale, took the lead inside two minutes after Caolan Lavery’s shot looped the keeper – handing the hosts an early lead.

Dutton had done a good job in such a short time prior to the fixture, being extremely vocal towards his players on the side-lines aided in Walsall’s effort against Cheltenham Town. However, it wasn’t to be for the home side as the Robins proved to be at their best to come back from a goal down.

In an affair which the Saddlers dominated the midfield battle, the resources needed to give the home side an opportunity to extend their advantage was denied by Cheltenham’s shot stopper, Josh Griffiths, who provided a number of excellent stops to prevent Dutton’s side to extend their lead.

The Robins found themselves level after 35 minutes of action through Sam Smith who received a well-placed pass by Alfie May, Smith made no mistake by tucking his levelling strike in at the far post. This goal ultimately came from a defensive mistake by Walsall, with the ball finding May in space, dampening the bright start the home side had.

Not so long after, Michael Duff’s side took the lead on the cusp of half-time. Callum Wright of all players, on his debut for the Robins, hit a low and hard short from the edge of the box which found its way into the back of the net despite Liam Roberts’ best efforts to keep the ball out.

The Saddlers faced an uphill battle if they were to sniff out a point, a number of chances were entertained by Josh Gordon and Wes McDonald for the home side but whatever they tried; the ball just wouldn’t go into the back of the net.

Cheltenham Town’s defence remained sturdy, forcing their hosts to play on the wing; arguably the most torn up part of the pitch. A tactic which prevented Walsall from moving so quick when going forward played into their visitor’s hands. Despite this, the Saddlers played some good football but with their tricky visitors who hadn’t lost in so long, it simply wasn’t meant to be.

However, the skill and pace of McDonald and the hard-work Dutton’s side put in, positive results don’t look too far away for Walsall if they’re to muster a late push for the Play-Offs. But for their visitors, promotion very much so looks on the cards as the Robins continue to grind out results.

Duff’s Robins remain in third place following their victory at the Banks’ Stadium whilst Walsall stay in 11^th place and only six points off of the Play-Offs with 19 games left to play.

Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt