Tranmere Rovers 1-1 Walsall - Match Report

Walsall will have considered themselves thankful for Reece Smith, as they maintain their unbeaten run with a hard-fought draw at Prenton Park.

Jed Ward- The “Bristol Banks”?

Tranmere today went on to have 12 shots on Jed Ward’s goal in the first half, forcing him into 8 saves, and a goals prevented tally of 2.64xG. It wouldn’t get easier for the Saddlers’ Number 1, as a rash tackle from an already-booked Sven Sprangler would lead to a penalty for the Rovers. Ironside would step up and force a great save from Ward, immediately followed by another save onto the post to deny Whitaker. Over the course of the game, Ward would produce a variety of top class saves across the course of the game, proving once again that his services were a worthwhile investment by the club.

First 45 showed Tranmere can trouble…

Walsall started the match with an early head injury for James Connolly following a collision with Tranmere front-man Joe Ironside. Physicality is certainly a strength of this Tranmere side under the guidance of Darrell Clarke. It appeared to be a level game in the early stages with both sides having good chances to show their attacking prowess.

The first Walsall chance of the game came from Reece Smith, who’s partnership with left-back Mason Hancock was demonstrated well today. His early run into the box was however, dealt with as was the resulting corner. That partnership again showed it’s danger as Smith was later played into the box however he chose to win the corner rather than risk the shot. At the half-time mark, almost all of Walsall’s attacking opportunities had come from that Hancock x Smith link-up on the wing, with 59% of their attacking plays coming from the left, as opposed to 26% on the right and 15% through the middle.

The one notable chance of the first half for Lee Grant’s men was a brilliant ball from James Connolly to find Andy Dallas, who slipped through the Rovers offside trap and attempted to play a ball in to Aaron Pressley, but his first chance of the game was unfortunately skewed over the bar, failing to trouble Harrison Male. Pressley will be disappointed with his efforts in the first half, as Walsall did not manage a shot on target until the 62nd minute.

Lee Grant would’ve been happy to get his side back in at half time, and that message was certainly conveyed as Walsall employed timewasting techniques to tick the minutes down until halftime. Players such as Elicha Ahui and Aaron Pressley would have been glad to hear the half-time whistle, as they notably appeared to struggle in the first 45.

“Second Half Saddlers” Strike Again!

A slightly underwhelming Walsall side came out stronger in the early stages of the 2nd half, clearly wanting to return to their possession based style of play. Following the concession of a dangerous free kick, Sprangler was withdrawn in place of Tai Sodje in the 58th minute. Darrell Clarke also decided to make a switch of his own, replacing Ironside with forward Dylan Jones.

Dallas was provided with the opportunity to double his tally for the season in the 62nd minute when a good ball was played forward from Elicha Ahui but Harrison Male made his first save of the afternoon to keep it level. Another opportunity fell for the Saddlers 3 minutes later when Mason Hancock showed more attacking promise, delivering a ball in to Tai Sodje who fired a diving header over the bar.

The hosts and Walsall respectively got into dangerous areas for a spell of time, forcing both defences to stay alert to keep the status quo. Heading into the last 20 minutes, Tom Ince put a gilt-edged chance inches wide of the net as the walls began to close in on Grants men.

The following break in play would see the end of the day for winger Zane Okoro, who would be replaced by Jordan Davies, but having the skilful winger taken off clearly didn’t affect Rovers as in the 73rd minute, centre-back Bobby Faulkner sent a dazzling header in at the near post to break the Saddlers record of being the only EFL club at that moment to have not gone behind in a game.

Lee Grant would respond quickly after with 15 minutes left to play, bringing Ryan Leak in for Elicha Ahui in defence and replacing Andy Dallas with Albert Adomah in attack. Heading into the last 10 minutes, Walsall would struggle to break down the rigid Tranmere defence, only making the 1 shot on target in 89 minutes.

Both managers then made a change, with Grant seeing the opportunity to put faith in young Will Etheridge for the dying minutes of the game. Darrell Clarke however, decided to make defensive changes, bringing on defensive minded players Sam Finley and Lee O’Connor for Tom Conlon and winger Charlie Whitaker.

Grant's faith in Etheridge would be rewarded with the academy graduate providing the assist for Reece Smiths 90th minute equaliser following a great passing spell in and around the Tranmere box.

That would end up being the last major chance of the game, with both sides coming away with a point.

“Problem Players” or Player Problems?

In my match preview, I detailed 1 player for each team that I believed would be one to keep an eye on heading into this sunny afternoon fixture at Prenton Park. I will, heading forward, recap these players performances and decide if they were a “Problem Player” or if there was a “Player Problem”.

Tranmere Rovers “Problem Player” that I singled out was Bobby Faulkner. The young centre-back certainly did not disappoint, earning the title of “Problem Player”. His defensive work did not go unnoticed, with 2 key tackles, 3 clearances and 2 successful recoveries. However it was his darting header that put him head and shoulders above any other player for the home side. He will certainly prove to be a key player for Tranmere as their season develops.

Walsall’s Problem Player was Reece Smith. A bright spark for the Saddlers even in times of Tranmere dominance, Smith provided a strong outlet to the Walsall attack, having the joint-most touches in the opposition box (7). His late strike earned Walsall a point away from home, and certainly earned him the title of “Problem Player”.

Player Ratings - Walsall at 6s and 7s.

Walsall FC - Ward (9.5), Hancock (7), Connolly (6), Skura (6), Ahui (4.5), Sprangler (5), Moore (7), Simper (6.5), Dallas (7), Smith (8.5), Pressley (5). SUBS- Sodje (6.5), Leak (5), Adomah (5), Etheridge (7).

Tranmere Rovers- Male (7), Senior (6), Faulkner (9), Smith (6.5), Slater (7), Vaulks (8), Conlon (6), Okoro (8), Ince (8.5), Whitaker (7), Ironside (5.5). SUBS- Jones (6), Davies (6), O’Connor + Finlay (N/A - played <5 mins).

Ben Smith- In co-operation with Saddlers Social.