Walsall’s woes at home continue in loss to Fleetwood

Walsall’s struggle to score at home continued despite a glut of chances in a 1-0 defeat to Fleetwood in League Two.

Mark Helm’s 15th-minute strike was enough for the Cod Army with the Saddlers now six without a win at the Bescot, netting just twice in the process – a run that dates back to Boxing Day.

Referee Steven Copeland played a smart advantage to allow Ethan Ennis to cut back for Helm to sweep in from close range via Sam Hornby’s raised glove.

Daniel Kanu blazed over having nicked the ball three minutes later and Walsall ratcheted up intense pressure.

Charlie Lakin was just unable to convert a Jamie Jellis swing across goal and Aaron Pressley had a point-blank flick blocked at close quarters before Evan Weir’s flash from the left evaded the Scot in first-half stoppage time.

Hornby had to swat away Helm’s cross-shot from the flank two minutes after the break but home pressure gradually built again, Kanu flashing wide on the run, Jellis thwarted on the line by goalkeeper Jay Lynch and Jid Okeke denied a penalty when his cross was blocked by Finley Potter’s outstretched arm.

Ennis grazed the bar with a header across goal with 16 minutes left, while Saddlers substitute Jamille Matt scuffed at Lynch late on.