Fleetwood hit back in style to stop Walsall going top

Posted Wednesday, October 02, 2024 by PA

Walsall missed the chance to move top of League Two and saw their 100 per cent home record come to an end following a 6-2 defeat by Fleetwood.

The Saddlers twice led through Harry Williams and Jamille Matt but Ronan Coughlan and Kayden Hughes each bagged a brace before Matty Virtue and Mark Helm added late goals.

Williams poked home his first goal for the club after meeting Connor Barrett’s cross at the back post in the 14th minute.

Fleetwood levelled in the 25th minute, Coughlan finding the bottom corner with a fine finish after good work by Ryan Graydon.

But just before half-time Walsall regained the lead with Matt pouncing from close range after a scramble from Taylor Allen’s corner.

Fleetwood equalised again six minutes into the second half from the penalty spot, Coughlan making no mistake after being upended by David Okagbue.

Hughes bundled in for his first senior goal in the 57th minute after James Bolton had headed against the bar from a corner and the 18-year-old grabbed his second 10 minutes later, nodding into the far corner.

Danny Johnson hit a post for Walsall but Fleetwood secured the points with five minutes left when Virtue beat Tommy Simkin, and there was still time for Helm to add a sixth.