Walsall were back in action on Thursday evening as they welcomed Stockport County to Poundland Bescot Stadium for what was the first game since the Saddlers took full ownership of the ground thanks to a Trivela Group's welcome investment.
Looking to build upon their Boxing Day triumph over Swindon Town, the Saddlers were backed by an increased crowd as the faithful celebrated their home being secure.
The first goal of the game went the way of the visitors, who had enjoyed the lion's share of the attacking play, as Kyle Wootton finally got the best of Owen Evans to give his side the lead around twelve minutes before half-time.
Wootton had his and County's second goal after sixty-five minutes as, despite the Saddlers enjoying an improved spell in the early stages of the half, he powered a header past Evans and into the back of the net.
SKY BET LEAGUE TWO
| WALSALL | 0-2 | STOCKPORT COUNTY |
| GOALSCORERS | WOOTTON (33') WOOTTON (65') |
|
| ASSISTS | WRIGHT (33') COLLAR (65') |
|
| 43 | POSS (%) | 57 |
| 12 | SHOTS (TOTAL) | 19 |
| 4 | SHOTS (ON TARGET) | 6 |
| 7 | CORNERS | 5 |
| 16 | FOULS | 10 |
| 3 | YELLOW CARDS | 1 |
| 0 | RED CARDS | 0 |
| AT | POUNDLAND BESCOT STADIUM |
| ATTENDANCE | 6,455 (1,174 STOCKPORT) |
| REFEREE | CRAIG HICKS (SURREY) |
WALSALL
Evans; White 🟨, Daniels, Monthé; Bennett (Allen, 74'), Kinsella 🟨, Earing (Maddox, 46'), Gordon 🟨 (James-Taylor, 46'); Hutchinson (Williams, 73'); Knowles, Johnson (Wilkinson, 62')
Unused: McEntee, Comley
STOCKPORT COUNTY
Hinchcliffe; Wright, Horsfall, Madden (Sarcevic, 75'), Collar (Crankshaw, 90'), R.Johnson (Brown, 67' 🟨), Rydel (MacDonald, 75'), Croasdale, Wootton, Hippolyte, Bardsley (Lewis, 67')
Unused: Jones, Barugh