Walsall earned a hard-fought point on the road with a 0-0 draw against Exeter City at St James Park. The result, reported by exetercityfc.co.uk, extends the Saddlers' unbeaten run to two matches following their last-gasp equaliser at Crewe Alexandra.
How did the match unfold?
The visitors started brightly. Inside seven minutes, Antony Evans delivered an in-swinging ball that clipped the roof of the Exeter net. Walsall's defence, marshalled by captain James Connolly, was then called into action repeatedly. Josh Gordon saw a shot blocked before Sonny Cox's follow-up was cleared. Gordon later appealed for a penalty after a shirt tug in the area, but referee Harrison Blair waved play on.
Exeter created several promising moves. A combination down the right flank involving Ed James, Lakyle Samuel and Reece Cole led to another chance. Jake Doyle-Hayes headed a cross back into the danger zone for Cox, who shot over. Gordon later teed up Cox with a low ball, but a Walsall defender made a vital block. Mason Hancock had a chance for the visitors, firing a clearance goalwards, but his effort sailed into the Thatchers Big Bank behind the goal.
What were the key moments after halftime?
Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell introduced all three of his new signings from the bench in the second half. Danny Rose and Ethan Sutherland replaced Josh Gordon and Gwion Edwards on the hour mark. Striker Ajay Matthews came on for Cox with nineteen minutes remaining.
Walsall's best opportunity fell to Courtney Clarke, who turned and shot high over the bar from a cross. Exeter's Reece Cole collected a goal kick from Viljami Sinisalo and shot wide. The Saddlers' only yellow card of the match went to Emmanuel Ahui for a foul in the 77th minute. With ten minutes left, Exeter brought on Jack Taylor for Luca Woodhouse.
The home side's clearest chance came late. Taylor Perry fed substitute Ajay Matthews for a one-on-one, but the new signing lifted his shot over the bar. Two late free-kicks in Exeter's own half came to nothing before referee Blair blew for full-time.
Where does this leave Walsall?
The point keeps Walsall's momentum going after their dramatic 93rd-minute leveller at Crewe Alexandra just four days prior. Manager Lee Grant will be pleased with a resilient defensive display away from home. The club finished the 2025/26 League Two season in 13th place with 65 points from 46 games. Their record showed 18 wins, 11 draws, and 17 losses, with a recent form of two losses, two wins, and a loss. They ended the campaign with a goal difference of zero, having scored and conceded 56 goals each, and were 22 points behind champions Bromley. Fans can track the team's progress in the new season on our standings page.
What is next for the squad?
Walsall's attention now turns to their next fixture. The team will look to build on this solid defensive performance as they prepare for their upcoming matches. Supporters can view the full schedule on the club's fixtures list. The starting lineup at St James Park was: Ward in goal; a back line of Hancock, Connolly, Crew, and Smith; a midfield of Evans, Moore, Clarke, and Pressley; with Ahui and Leak up front. Substitutes Sprangler, Simper, Dallas, and Burke all saw action in the second half.
The match officials were referee Harrison Blair, assisted by Ciaran Barlow and Thomas Staten, with Steven Swan as fourth official. A crowd of 6,002 watched the game, including 755 travelling Walsall supporters.
