Walsall miss opportunity to climb into play-off places

Walsall missed the chance to climb into the Sky Bet League Two play-off places after being held to a 2-2 by Grimsby at Blundell Park.

In a quiet first half, it was the visitors who edged in front from a set-piece, with Courtney Clarke’s inviting corner being met at the back post by Priestley Farquharson in the 32nd minute.

The home side had offered little going forward, but a straight red card for Walsall goalkeeper Myles Roberts for a late challenge on Andy Cook gave them a massive boost in th first minute of first half stoppage time.

Grimsby levelled in the 50th minute through Cook, who beat Walsall’s substitute goalkeeper Sam Hornby to Jamie Walker’s cross on the edge of the six-yard box.

Cook was the man of the moment for the Mariners as he prodded in his and his team’s second in the 68th minute, set up once again by his former Bradford teammate Walker.

Walsall responded soon after, though with Aaron Pressley’s header bringing them back level just three minutes later.