Tai Sodje's second-half header earned Walsall a 1-1 draw at Swindon Town on Saturday, extending their unbeaten run in League Two. The point keeps Mat Sadler's side in fifth place with 16 points from their opening ten games, six points behind leaders Salford City. Their overall record stands at three wins and seven draws from those ten matches, with a goal difference of plus six from 13 goals scored and seven conceded.
Swindon started fast and took the lead after just five minutes. A long throw from Mitch Clark was hooked on by Stephan Negru, and Aaron Drinan reacted quickest to poke the ball home from close range. Walsall goalkeeper Connor Ripley was busy early, making sharp saves to deny Antwoine Hackford and a hard shot from Aaron Pressley.
Walsall grew into the game and found their equaliser nine minutes after the break. A looping deflection found its way to the back post where Tai Sodje was waiting to head powerfully past Ripley. The striker, who scored twice in the midweek EFL Trophy win over Fulham U21s, was a constant threat. He had earlier forced a fine save with a vicious dipping shot.
Both sides had chances to win it in a frantic finale. Ripley denied Mason Hancock at his near post, while at the other end, Aaron Drinan fired a shot just wide of the upright. The draw means Walsall's recent form reads one win, three draws and one defeat from their last five outings, a sequence that includes the 3-2 victory over Fulham U21s, the 1-1 draw at Fleetwood Town, and the 1-1 draw at Tranmere.
League context
The result solidifies a strong start to the campaign for the Saddlers, who have scored 13 goals and conceded just seven. They now turn their attention to a quick turnaround at home. Oldham Athletic, who sit 19th, visit the Poundland Bescot Stadium on Tuesday night. The team's top scorer this season is D. Kanu with 15 goals in 40 appearances.
The original report is at Sky Sports
