Connor Barrett earns leaders Walsall point at Crawley

Connor Barrett’s terrific second-half strike rescued a point for League Two leaders Walsall in a 1-1 draw at Crawley.

Barrett cancelled out Ryan Loft’s first-half header as struggling Crawley gained their first point in four games.

The hosts missed a penalty in only the fourth minute after Rico Brown brought down Max Anderson as Harry McKirdy’s tame spot-kick was turned around a post by goalkeeper Myles Roberts.

But the Red Devils made the breakthrough after 32 minutes thanks to a close-range header at the far post by striker Loft from McKirdy’s cross.

Walsall levelled eight minutes after the break with a superb individual goal from Barrett, who gave keeper Jojo Wollacott no chance with a fierce shot into the far corner from the edge of the area.

Wollacott then denied the Saddlers by turning a shot on the turn from Daniel Kanu around a post and there were few clear-cut chances in the closing stages as the spoils were shared.