Jamille applies Matt finish as Walsall see off Tranmere

Posted Sunday, December 17, 2023 by PA

Jamille Matt’s first league goal of the season gave Walsall a 1-0 win over terrible travellers Tranmere.

Rovers’ winless away run stretched to 17 games as Nigel Adkins suffered a first defeat since taking permanent charge.

An error from Walsall’s David Okagbue presented Tranmere with the game’s first chance but Kristian Dennis’ shot was foiled by Saddlers keeper Jackson Smith.

Walsall skipper Donervon Daniels should have put the hosts ahead but shanked his volley badly wide six yards out.

Smith’s superb stop thwarted Rovers’ ex-Walsall winger Kieron Morris before Rob Apter dragged a shot just wide for the visitors.

Rovers keeper Luke McGee pulled off a stunning stop right on half-time as he clawed Liam Gordon’s curler out of the top corner.

But he was beaten on 64 minutes as half-time substitute Matt latched on to Daniels’ long ball to hook beyond the advancing keeper.

Ryan Stirk should have sealed the points but headed Gordon’s cross wide from six yards and Rovers, who stay 21st, almost nicked a point deep in stoppage time when Morris fired wide on the volley.