Express & Star

Walsall analysis: Nathan Lowe late show salvages point in feisty Crewe battle

It's not over until the final whistle blows and Walsall have taken that statement quite literally of late.

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A stoppage time winner from Jamie Jellis propelled Walsall into the second round of the FA Cup the previous weekend and Nathan Lowe's late heroics salvaged a point at the end of a fierce battle against local rivals Crewe Alexandra on Saturday. 

Walsall have scored the joint-most goals (six) during the final 15 minutes in the division this term but the fightback against Crewe embodied the character of this team more than anything else. 

Donervon Daniels was recalled to the heart of defence in the absence of the injured Harry Williams who will also be unavailable for Walsall's final EFL Trophy group stage tie against Shrewsbury Town on Tuesday night. 

It was Daniels' first competitive start of the campaign but the Walsall skipper slotted seamlessly into the back-line to further underline the luxury of options at Mat Sadler's disposal. 

Crewe were organised and difficult to breakdown with Connor Barrett deprived of space to inflict his usual damage down the right. He combined effectively on a couple of occasions with Jamie Jellis in the first half but Bolton Wanderers loanee Max Conway marshalled him relatively well especially after the break. 

Jamille Matt gets a yellow card
Jamille Matt gets a yellow card

It was a first half of very few chances but Mat Sadler felt Lowe wrongfully had a goal ruled out after the referee blew for a foul before he lifted a volleyed finish into the roof of the net.