GILLINGHAM 0
WALSALL 0
Walsall boss Matt Sadler believes he has a squad capable of winning League Two despite the goalless draw at Gillingham making it six games without a win.
The Saddlers’ lead at the top of the fourth tier was cut down to just one point after promotion rivals Bradford City defeated play-off-chasing Colchester United 4-1.
Walsall were unable to clinch the three points against the Gills, who frustrated their visitors.
The West Midlands club have missed striker Nathan Lowe since his return to parent club Stoke in January.
UP FOR IT: Gillingham’s Joseph Gbode and Walsall’s Oisin McEntee clash
PICTURES: Alamy
Solid
Afterwards, Walsall boss Sadler said: “We had some really good moments in the game.
“There were two good chances in the first half.
“In the second half, there was a little bit of a stalemate in terms of us wanting to try and upset the game, and we did.
“There were lots of pleasing performances and some really solid performances.
“There was one thing missing in the game which was a goal, but as we always look to the performance I think that we were much the better team.
“We could have, should have won the game, and then we take that forward.
Disappointment
“We have got a very good squad.
“We’ve always said that.
“Everyone is chomping at the bit to do well.
“When you bring in Donervon [Daniels], bring in Rico [Browne], bring in Dan [Johnson], you have got Levi [Amantchi] and Alfie [Chang], who comes on and changes the hame and does well.
“You have Brandon [Comley], obviously.
“We have got some real experience in there as well as youth.
“The only disappointment is that we didn’t score.
“I have to be pleased with that point.
“It moves us into the 70s now and we look forward to attacking the end.”
Match action
The hosts started brightly with an early Armani Little free-kick palmed away by Sam Hornby, with Max Clark unable to convert the rebound.
John Coleman’s side were indebted to keeper Glenn Morris who made two excellent point-blank saves in a matter of moments.
The first was from Jamille Matt who was unmarked inside the box, before the 41-year-old got up quickly to deny Jamie Jellis.
Walsall were denied again just before the break with Morris producing another stunning stop to deny Matt.
Second half
Gillingham pressed early in the second half.
Jimmy-Jay Morgan fired wide before Hornby made a good stop low to his left to keep out a low drive from Robbie McKenzie.
Hornby made a crucial save late on, thwarting Elliott Nevitt’s first-time effort.
Gillingham have picked up since the appointment of Coleman and have pushed themselves away from the danger zone – but he cut a frustrated figure after failing to make it three staright home wins.
Errors
He said: “I am disappointed with us in the first half.
“We started quite brightly on the front foot – we forced a free-kick, which was a good save from the keeper, and then we were too ponderous passing it around the back, letting them drop back into shape quite easily.
“We didn’t quicken the pace up or open up the opportunities to break the lines, which I thought was disappointing.
“There were individual errors, letting them have a couple of glorious opportunities, with the double save by Glenn which was world-class.
“Then, there was another great save from a header.
“The lads got a bit of a talking to at half-time, trying to wake them up, and I think that we improved second half.”
Player ratings
Gillingham: Morris 8, Smith 7, Masterson 7, Gale 8, Hutton 7, McKenzie 7, Little 7, Clark 7, Morgan 6 (J. Williams 71, 6), Nevitt 7, Gbode 6 (Wakeling 84, 6). Subs not used: Turner, Ehmer, Corness, E.Williams, Hawkins.
Walsall Hornby 7, Allen 7, Williams 7, Weir 7, McEntee 8, Jellis 7 (Comley 84, 6), Stirk 7, Lakin 6 (Johnson 84, 6), Asiimwe 7, Matt 7 (Amantchi 71, 6), Adomah 7 (Chang 90+2). Subs not used: Barrett, Daniels, Browne.
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