Midlands | Walsall maintain unbeaten run with draw at Crawley

Crawley Town 1 -1 Walsall

Connor Barrett’s excellent second-half strike earned League Two leaders Walsall a point in a draw at Crawley.

Author | Peter Grainger 

Stadium | Broadfield Stadium

Walsall corner

Barrett cancelled out Ryan Loft’s first-half header as struggling Crawley picked up their first point in four games.

Closer analysis of what happened

The hosts had the chance to take an early lead when Rico Browne brought down Max Anderson inside the area, but Myles Roberts saved Harry McKirdy’s weak penalty, pushing it around the post.

Crawley did make the breakthrough after 32 minutes, Loft heading in at the far post from McKirdy’s cross.

Walsall equalised eight minutes after the restart through a moment of brilliance from Barrett, who rifled a powerful effort into the far corner from the edge of the box, leaving Jojo Wollacott helpless.

Crawley came close to regaining the lead on the hour when Myles Roberts produced a strong save before Evan Weir blocked Ryan Loft’s follow-up effort on the line.

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At the other end, Daniel Kanu almost edged Walsall ahead two minutes later. The Charlton loanee spun his marker to meet a lofted cross into the box but could only steer his shot wide.

Both teams continued to press in search of a winner, creating openings but lacking the decisive finish, and the game ended all square with the points shared.