Walsall analysis: Saddlers' midseason blip descends into an alarming rut after Colchester defeat
Walsall's midseason blip has descended into an alarming rut after Colchester United applied another dent to their League Two title credentials.
Just over a fortnight ago, Walsall were riding on the crest of a wave. They had just set a club record nine-match winning streak and sat 12 points clear at the league summit.
It felt that very little was stopping them. Then, Bradford inflicted a 3-0 defeat on the runaway League Two leaders at Valley Parade and Walsall have been unable to recover since, especially on the road.
The 2-2 comeback draw against Salford City at Bescot is the only point that Walsall have mustered from the last 12 available. And their regression on the road of late is a major cause for concern.
Walsall equalled their tally of 23 points on their travels from the previous campaign when they came from behind to beat Notts County on New Year's Day. Since, the Saddlers have suffered three away defeats on the spin in League Two for the first time during the Mat Sadler era.
So, what has gone wrong? Clearly confidence has taken a massive hit and Walsall look a shadow of the team which sunk fellow promotion contenders such as Notts County, Doncaster Rovers, AFC Wimbledon and Port Vale.
Those results could prove even more crucial as Walsall continue to allow the chasing pack to close the gap. Notts County moved to within six points of the summit after climbing into second spot with a 2-0 victory over Morecambe at Meadow Lane.
