Analysis: Another opportunity missed for Walsall in Gillingham stalemate

Just as the 1-1 draw at Carlisle United and the 2-2 draw at Cheltenham Town did too.

In reality, Walsall are beginning to pick up points but they’re leaving plenty behind as well, with Bradford City cutting the gap at the summit to just a single point.

Mat Sadler spoke about his desire to translate draws into wins but a lack of cutting edge in attack ultimately saw them serve up a fourth successive stalemate on the road.

Only opponents Gillingham and Crewe Alexandra (both seven) have registered more draws than the Saddlers’ tally of six since the turn of the year.

And the lack of wins (just two from the last 13) has done little to ease the nerves heading into a season-defining run of fixtures against AFC Wimbledon, Doncaster Rovers and Port Vale respectively.

Walsall did produce one of their best performances out of possession for some time. They defended solidly and were organised and disciplined across midfield.

After a tentative start, Nathan Asiimwe impressed on his first Walsall start and debutant Alfie Chang looked a handful during his late cameo from the bench.

Gillingham manager John Coleman has been surprised at the fitness of 41-year-old goalkeeper Glenn Morris after another star performance

Goalkeeper Glenn Morris starred for Gillingham on Saturday and would be getting a new deal if his current manager had a say.

John Coleman’s only on a contract to manage the Gills until the end of this season but he didn’t have to think long when asked if he’d want Morris with him for another campaign.

Oh yeah, 100%,” said Coleman. Morris, like his manager, is out of contract at the end of this season.

“You’d have him in the club, you’d have him for his presence.”

Morris kept his 11th clean sheet in the league this season on Saturday to keep out leaders Walsall. Saturday’s game finished goalless.

He made a double save early in the second half and an even better close-range block in the same half while also providing a calming presence behind his defenders.

“He’s a very, very good goalkeeper,” said Coleman of the 41-year-old.

When you get to work with him, you can see the influence he can have.

“He’s calm, he makes the right decisions most of the time, which is a good trait to have. He doesn’t panic.

“He’s just a good person to be around, in training and in the dressing room.”

Morris’ agility in goal suggests he still has plenty more to offer. He’s close to making his 100th appearance for the Gills – now on 98 – and could make many more.

Coleman was asked how long the keeper could go on for.

He said: “Who knows – he’s Dorian Gray isn’t he!?

“It has surprised me how fit he is to be fair.

“I’ve come across a lot of old goalkeepers. I’m not being disrespectful because I’m older but I’ve never seen anyone in this condition.

“He’s got an unbelievable physique. Great character. He’s someone that you want in a dressing room. Level-headed. Humble fellow. Really nice person as well as being a very, very good goalkeeper.

“If he keeps playing like that, he’s got a lot more games in.”

Morris signed a new one-year deal last May. He has played 31 times this season and has kept 11 clean sheets, five of those coming since mid-February.