Match Preview: v Harrogate Town (H) Match Preview: v Harrogate Town (H)

Match Preview: v Harrogate Town (H)

Here we take a look ahead to the Saddlers' League Two meeting with Harrogate Town.
Don't forget to join us across our social media channels where we'll bring you all the matchday build-up, in-game updates, and post-match reaction as the Saddlers return to action against Harrogate Town on Tuesday evening.

PRE-MATCH VIEWS

The ten men of Walsall defied the odds at the weekend as they bounced back from going a goal down to take a well-deserved share of the spoils against Sutton United at Gander Green Lane.

After seeing midfielder Brandon Comley dismissed after picking up two first-half yellow cards, Michael Flynn's side went on to gift their opponents the lead in the form of an unnecessary penalty kick in the second-half, as they looked to be heading to yet another defeat.

However, after looking like the better side for portions of the game, the Reds got themselves back onto level terms as substitute Jacob Maddox grabbed his first goal of the season as he continues to settle into life in WS1.

Although three points should always be the target, there are very few fans who will bemoan an awayday point, especially after seeing their team go down to ten men in such frustrating circumstances.

Opponents Harrogate Town arrive at their midweek trip to the Black Country on the back of an encouraging one-all draw with Tranmere Rovers, a result which saw them extend their unbeaten run to two games, form in stark contrast to the run which saw them winless in eight before their recent win over Hartlepool United.

FORM IN FIVE

Here is how the Saddlers and their opponents Harrogate Town have fared in their last five Sky Bet League Two games.

WALSALL
HARROGATE TOWN
DWWLD
LLLWD

HEAD-TO-HEAD

There have only been four competitive meetings between Walsall and Harrogate Town, and the Saddlers are yet to taste victory over the Sulphurites with the only victory going the way of our opponents.

The other three games ended in draws as there has been little to separate the two teams over the last few campaigns.

The first meeting was played behind closed doors at Doncaster Rovers' Keepmoat Stadium on Saturday, 19th September 2020 - Harrogate were in the middle of replacing their synthetic pitch to bring them in line with EFL regulations.

The match was an eventful, high-scoring affair as, despite taking an early lead, the Saddlers left it late to take a share of the spoils as Josh Gordon levelled nine minutes from full-time.

Walsall had led via Rory Holden's fourth-minute goal but were soon pegged back before falling behind as Aaron Martin and Jack Muldoon scored for the Home side ahead of Gordon's leveller.

THE LAST TIME WE MET

The most recent meeting took place at the EnviroVent Stadium on Saturday, 19th March 2022 and saw the home side snatch a late point as Calum Kavanagh's first senior goal cancelled out Conor Wilkinson's penalty.

MATCH OFFICIALS

The EFL has confirmed that Robert Lewis, who is based in Shropshire, will be the man in the middle, whilst Darren Wilding and Jack Clench have been named assistant referees. Will Finnie will act as Fourth Official.

GAMES
OFFICIATED
10
YELLOW
CARDS
RED
CARDS
32
1
PENALTIES
AWARDED
1

CATCH THE MATCH

If you're not planning on going to the game you can catch the match via the club's in-house service - iFollow Walsall - which takes you through the highs and lows of every Saddlers game.

Not an iFollow Walsall subscriber? There are a range of options available, including monthly, annual, and gift subscriptions. For further information on the service, or to set up your subscription, click HERE.
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