Walsall’s promotion hopes hit by narrow defeat to Accrington

Walsall squandered the opportunity to climb back into the League Two automatic promotion places after falling to a 1-0 defeat against Accrington Stanley at Bescot.

Ben Woods scored the only goal of the game with a stunning 33rd-minute volley from the edge of the penalty area to secure League Two safety for the visitors.

Taylor Allen and Albert Adomah hit the post for Walsall, who are winless in 13, during the first 15 minutes and George Hall also planted a header wide.

Accrington defender Devon Matthews sent a fierce volley wide of the target and Tommy Simkin produced an excellent finger tip save to keep out Liam Coyle from distance after the break.

Walsall wing-back Connor Barrett was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on Coyle just moments after coming on as a substitute.

Doncaster beat Bradford 2-1 and Port Vale won 2-0 at AFC Wimbledon to secure promotion to League One in the early kick-offs.

Bradford remain in the final automatic promotion spot, leading Walsall by a single point.