Walsall’s unbeaten home run came to a crashing halt as they suffered a heavy 6-2 defeat to Fleetwood Town at the Bescot Stadium.
Despite taking the lead twice, the Saddlers were ultimately overwhelmed by a ruthless Fleetwood side, who capitalised on Walsall’s defensive lapses to secure a resounding victory. The result was one nobody saw coming in League two, and how the Saddlers bounce back will be a huge test of their resolve and character over the coming weeks.
The match began promisingly for Walsall, who had been on a fine run of form, including a dominant 4-0 victory over Colchester United in their previous fixture. Manager Mat Sadler kept faith in the same starting XI for the third consecutive game, and his team initially justified that decision. After 15 minutes, Harry Williams opened the scoring with his first goal for the club. Connor Barrett delivered a low cross from the right, which was deflected into the path of Williams, who prodded the ball home with the help of a Fleetwood defender.
However, the lead was short-lived. Just 10 minutes later, Fleetwood hit back with their first real chance of the game. Ryan Graydon found space and played a clever ball through to Ronan Coughlan, who finished clinically into the bottom corner to level the match.
Despite Fleetwood’s equaliser, Walsall continued to threaten, and Jamille Matt restored the Saddlers’ lead on the stroke of half-time. Taylor Allen’s corner caused chaos in the Fleetwood box, and Matt was quickest to react, poking the ball in from close range for his third goal of the season.
Walsall’s joy was once again short-lived, as Fleetwood came out strongly after the break. Just five minutes into the second half, Coughlan scored his second of the night from the penalty spot after David Okagbue was penalised for tripping the forward in the box. Coughlan calmly dispatched the penalty past Walsall goalkeeper Tommy Simkin to make it 2-2.
The momentum swung firmly in Fleetwood’s favour after the equaliser, and they took the lead for the first time in the 57th minute. A header from James Bolton crashed against the crossbar, and Kayden Hughes was on hand to bundle the rebound over the line, marking his first senior goal. Ten minutes later, Hughes doubled his tally with a well-placed header from Mackenzie Hunt’s free-kick, leaving Simkin rooted to the spot.
Walsall fought to get back into the game and came close through Danny Johnson, whose header struck the post. Barrett also had a pair of chances, but Fleetwood’s goalkeeper David Harrington made a crucial save to deny him at the near post, and Barrett’s follow-up header drifted wide.
As the Saddlers pushed forward, Fleetwood capitalised on the gaps at the back. In the 85th minute, Matty Virtue slotted home a low cross to make it 5-2, his third goal in as many games. There was still time for Mark Helm to add a sixth in stoppage time, completing a comprehensive win for the visitors.
Walsall will be disappointed with the defensive lapses that cost them dearly, especially after taking the lead twice. Statistically, they had more shots and dominated parts of the game, but Fleetwood were far more clinical with their opportunities. While the Saddlers registered 17 shots to Fleetwood’s 12, the visitors had seven shots on target compared to Walsall’s three, underlining the difference in finishing.
This defeat not only ended Walsall’s 100% home record but also saw them miss the chance to move to the top of League Two. Sadler’s side will now look to regroup and refocus ahead of their next match, an away trip to newly-promoted Chesterfield, as they aim to get back to winning ways after this humbling result.
Be the first to comment