Match Report: Walsall 3-1 Wrexham

Jack Earing made his first start in a whole year and scored a goal that helped Walsall win an impressive victory against Wrexham.

Although Paul Mullin managed to score a goal to even the score from the penalty spot, the team did not have an success in the second half. Isaac Hutchinson secured his ninth goal of the season, and substitute Taylor Allen scored his first ever goal for the club, allowing the Saddlers to claim a stunning victory.

Mat Sadler decided to alter the team by replacing Oisin McEntee and Ryan Stirk with David Okagbue and Earing. David had recently recovered from a head injury sustained while playing against Accrington Stanley.

The Poundland Bescot Stadium was jam-packed and buzzing with energy, which translated onto the field during the start of the game. Both teams had a chance to score early on.

Luke Young took a shot towards the goal, but unfortunately, missed the target. However, the ball hit Isaac Hutchinson and went towards the Wrexham six-yard area, but none of the players in a red jersey were present to receive it.

The Saddlers managed to score first in a stylish way with Earing taking advantage of Draper's excellent back heel pass and successfully slotting the ball past Arthur Okonkwo after 16 minutes.

Wrexham had a great chance to level the score when the referee awarded them a penalty only eight minutes later. This decision was made as the ball was judged to have hit Tom Knowles' arm.

Mullin made an impressive move by hitting the ball forcefully towards the tangle of grass near the net, resulting in an equal score between the players.

Shortly after, visitors almost got the lead when Jackson Smith couldn't hold onto the ball. It slipped away to Mullin, but he missed from a short distance.

Walsall came together and finished the initial period in a dominating position. Hutchinson and Donervon Daniels attempted shots from afar, but they were not able to challenge Okonkwo. As a result, the teams entered halftime with no clear winner.

During the break, Sadler decided to switch things up by subbing out Jamille Matt for Douglas James-Taylor.

The Saddlers had a good beginning to the second half, and they got ahead once again thanks to Hutchinson. He scored a beautiful free-kick from just outside the area after a great run forward.

Draper had an opportunity to score a third goal, but his header that glanced off his head was blocked by Okonkwo.

Wrexham showed their fight and put pressure on Smith, who had to make a couple of impressive saves. He deflected Mullin's strong shot towards the ground and managed to hold onto Lee's attempt after his initial save.

Hutchinson came really close to scoring his second goal of the night with a powerful shot from a distance of 25-yards. However, the ball narrowly missed the net and went out of bounds.

Sadler made a substitution as Allen came onto the field instead of Jack Earing.

Phil Parkinson's team almost scored a goal on the 80th minute when Mullin took a powerful shot from 25 yards away, hitting the bar and then being cleared away. They were very close to equalising.

After three minutes, the Saddlers finally got the space they needed to feel more comfortable. David Okagbue made an excellent run and passed the ball over Okonkwo before it bounced around and was pushed in by Allen.

Wrexham made an attempt to retaliate after McClean's shot was saved by Smith, but it was their closest attempt and the Saddlers secured their second consecutive victory.

The football squad consisted of Smith, Knowles, Okagbue, Farquharson, Daniels, and Gordon. Comley, Earing, and Hutchinson were also part of the starting lineup, with James-Taylor replacing Matt in the second half. The team had substitutes available, including Evans, Foulkes, Maher, Williams, and Johnson.

There were 8709 people in attendance, with 2258 people coming from away.