Four wins in a row for Walsall despite Charlie Lakin’s red against Chesterfield

Ten-man Walsall made it four wins on the bounce in all competitions as Daniel Kanu’s goal sealed a 1-0 victory over Chesterfield.

The Saddlers had to endure late pressure from their high-flying visitors after midfielder Charlie Lakin was controversially sent off after picking up a second yellow card midway through the second half.

Walsall had the better of the first-half chances with Harrison Burke going close to breaking the deadlock on 21 minutes when he headed an Evan Weir cross over.

A Weir corner on the half-hour mark picked out Lakin but his header was wide, while at the other end a Ronan Darcy free-kick was sent over the Saddlers’ goal.

The winner came on 43 minutes when Kanu collected the ball just inside the Chesterfield half, rode two challenges and placed his shot beyond keeper Zach Hemming.

Following Lakin’s red card, the Spireites pressed for an equaliser in the final quarter but the closest they managed were off-target headers from Tom Naylor and Chey Dunkley in added time.