Bobby Faulkner scored his first goal for Tranmere Rovers but a late Walsall equaliser meant the points were shared in a 1-1 draw at Prenton Park. The result leaves Tranmere 10th in League Two with 11 points from their opening eight games. This follows a recent run of form that has seen them win two, draw two, and lose two of their last six matches.
Faulkner broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute, heading home from close range after a flick-on from substitute Tai Sodje. Tranmere had dominated the chances, registering 21 shots and 11 on target, but were punished in the first minute of added time when Reece Smith fired in for Walsall.
Key moments
The home side created the better openings throughout, with Charlie Whitaker seeing a shot saved in the 20th minute and winning a penalty in the 34th. Walsall defender James Connolly was cautioned for dissent during the penalty incident. Sven Sprangler was also shown an early yellow card for Tranmere before being replaced by Sodje, whose introduction helped create the goal.
Walsall's threat came on the break, with Andy Dallas forcing a save from Luke Male just after the hour. The visitors defended resolutely, committing 11 fouls to Tranmere's nine, but found their moment at the death through Smith.
Manager Nigel Adkins will take encouragement from a performance that yielded 21 attempts on goal but frustration from conceding so late. The team now prepares for a trip to 11th-placed Chesterfield next Saturday, a side they have not beaten in their last three meetings. Check the latest standings to see how the table looks ahead of that match.
