Walsall were held to a 0-0 draw by Exeter City in a League Two match at St James Park this week. The result leaves the Saddlers reflecting on a 13th-place finish in the 2025 season, having ended the campaign with 65 points from 46 games.
A report supplied by PA Media and carried by the BBC detailed a contest of missed opportunities. Exeter's Sonny Cox was twice denied by Walsall goalkeeper Jed Ward in the first half, first with a shot saved and later by hooking an effort over the bar from 15 yards. For the visitors, Mason Hancock fired high over the bar in the 33rd minute.
Which players came closest to scoring?
Both defences worked hard to limit clear-cut chances, but several players came close to breaking the stalemate. After the interval, Walsall defender Ryan Leak saw his shot deflected narrowly over the Exeter crossbar. Teammate Courtney Clarke later volleyed over from 10 yards out.
Exeter also threatened. Reece Cole smashed a half-volley into the sidenetting, while Ed James and Jack Fitzwater both had efforts blocked by the Walsall back line. James also dragged a shot wide from 18 yards for the hosts.
How did the deadline day signings fare?
Walsall introduced deadline day loan signing Ajay Matthews from Millwall for his debut. The substitute had a golden chance with ten minutes remaining but fired his opportunity over the bar. This late cameo offered a glimpse of the new attacking option available to the manager.
Another substitute, Reece Smith, cut in from the left for Walsall but could only fire straight at Exeter goalkeeper Jack Bycroft. The club's squad page will be updated to reflect the new addition ahead of the new season.
What is the context of Walsall's league season?
The draw is a snapshot of a season where Walsall found consistency hard to maintain. Their final 2025 league standing of 13th was built on 18 wins, 11 draws, and 17 losses. Their recent form at the end of that campaign was LLWLL.
Offensively, the team scored 56 goals across the 46-game season but conceded the same number, resulting in a goal difference of zero. They finished 22 points behind the champions, Bromley. Fans can review the full standings from the concluded season.
Where does the team go from here?
Matches like this highlight the fine margins in League Two. While a point away from home is seldom a bad result, converting one of those chances could have made the difference. The focus now shifts to preparation for the upcoming season, where improving on that 13th-place finish will be the objective.
The club's pre-season planning will be informed by such performances, with the aim of turning draws into wins. Supporters can track the build-up and view the latest fixtures as they are confirmed for the new campaign. The team's final effort of the game came from Ryan Leak, whose deflected shot looped over the bar.
