Cheltenham coast past Walsall to climb into League Two promotion places

Posted Sunday, January 12, 2020 by PA

Cheltenham cruised to a 3-1 home victory over Walsall to keep their Sky Bet League Two promotion push on track.

The goals came from Max Sheaf, Conor Thomas and Alfie May, with Elijah Adebayo scoring a late consolation for the Saddlers.

Chris Hussey set up on-loan Hull midfielder Sheaf to slot in his second goal in two games in the 18th minute.

Walsall were forced to defend for most of the first half, but Wes McDonald’s heavily deflected 41st-minute shot hit the post.

Cheltenham nearly scored again in the first minute of the second half when May forced Liam Roberts into a reaction save.

The home side were celebrating again in the 48th minute when May fed Sean Long on the right and his pull-back was fired in by Thomas for his fifth of the season.

Adebayo headed wide for Walsall from a good position in the 53rd minute after fellow Cameron Norman’s cross from the right.

May raced onto George Lloyd’s pass and finished well in the 72nd minute for his second strike in two games since joining from Doncaster.

The result was not in doubt but Adebayo touched in Caolan Lavery’s ball from the right to give the away fans something to cheer with 12 minutes remaining.