Walsall finished their pre-season campaign with a goalless draw against Notts County at the Bescot Stadium. The Saddlers created the clearer chances but were denied by County goalkeeper James Belshaw and some resolute defending.
What happened in the match?
Walsall started slowly, with loose touches in the opening exchanges, but grew into the game. Lewis Simper saw his close-range effort blocked, while Andrew Dallas tested Belshaw with a low drive early in the second half. New signing Reece Smith, making his Bescot debut after joining from Harrogate Town, delivered an early free-kick that Isaac Moore headed over.
Jed Ward was the busier goalkeeper, making two vital saves to deny Maz Kouhyar’s powerful free-kick and Darius Lipsiuc’s point-blank effort. Ryan Leak, wearing the captain’s armband in the first half, also made a key intervention to clear Emile Acquah’s goal-bound shot.
Who stood out for Walsall?
Andrew Dallas was the Saddlers’ most threatening player, operating between the lines and forcing Belshaw into action with a swivel shot that drifted just wide. Elicha Ahui also impressed with a surging run from Mason Hancock’s diagonal pass, though the final product lacked precision. Ward’s saves kept Walsall in the game, particularly his reflex stop against Lipsiuc.
What comes next?
Walsall now turn their attention to competitive action, starting with a Carabao Cup first-round trip to Championship side Bristol City on Thursday. Their next league fixture is away to Barnet on 27 February 2027, with the Bees currently 14th in the table.
