Match report

Walsall Defeats Stevenage 2-1 in EFL Trophy Showdown

Stevenage
Stevenage
1–2
FT
Walsall
Walsall
Dec 2, 2025

Walsall managed a thrilling comeback against Stevenage in the EFL Trophy, ultimately securing a 2-1 victory. Despite falling behind early in the second half, goals from R. Richards turned the tide in favor of the visitors. Stevenage's Carl Piergianni opened the scoring, but Walsall's resilience and determination were on full display as they rallied to take the lead and seal a vital win in the competition.

Key Facts

  • • Final Score: Stevenage 1–2 Walsall
  • • Goals: Carl Piergianni (57') for Stevenage, R. Richards (63' and 72') for Walsall
  • • Key Substitutions: Vincent Harper and C. Clarke for Walsall, C. Campbell and B. Lubala for Stevenage
  • • Card: L. Freestone (Yellow Card) for Stevenage
  • • Competition: EFL Trophy

Lineups

Stevenage

Formation: 4-3-2-1

Starting XI

  • 13 T. Ashby-Hammond (G)
  • 17 J. Pattenden (D)
  • 15 C. Goode (D)
  • 5 C. Piergianni (D)
  • 16 L. Freestone (D)
  • 23 L. Thompson (M)
  • 33 R. Doherty
  • 8 D. Phillips (M)
  • 20 C. Campbell (M)
  • 44 P. Patterson (M)
  • 30 B. Lubala (F)

Substitutes

  • 1 F. Marschall
  • 2 L. James-Wildin
  • 6 D. Sweeney
  • 9 G. Ahadme
  • 19 J. Reid
  • 22 J. Young
  • 24 J. Malcolm

Walsall

Formation: 3-5-2

Starting XI

  • 12 S. Hornby (G)
  • 33 R. Browne (D)
  • 59 S. Straw (D)
  • 20 D. Cox (D)
  • 2 C. Barrett (M)
  • 17 C. Clarke (M)
  • 14 B. Comley (M)
  • 31 R. Richards (M)
  • 18 V. Harper (M)
  • 7 K. Roofe (F)
  • 37 A. Adomah (F)

Substitutes

  • 21 J. Kilroy
  • 16 R. Maher
  • 22 J. Jellis
  • 25 J. Okeke
  • 28 L. Warrington
  • 32 J. Hollman
  • 56 O. McLloyd

Timeline

  1. Walsall
    45'+2 Walsall subst · Substitution 1
    Off: Vincent Harper · On: J. Okeke
  2. Stevenage
    46' Stevenage subst · Substitution 1
    Off: C. Campbell · On: J. Malcolm
  3. Walsall
    46' Walsall subst · Substitution 2
    Off: C. Clarke · On: J. Jellis
  4. Stevenage
    57' Stevenage Goal · Normal Goal
    Carl Piergianni · Assist: P. Patterson
  5. Walsall
    62' Walsall subst · Substitution 3
    Off: Brandon Comley · On: L. Warrington
  6. Walsall
    62' Walsall subst · Substitution 4
    Off: K. Roofe · On: J. Hollman
  7. Walsall
    63' Walsall Goal · Normal Goal
    R. Richards · Assist: J. Hollman
  8. Stevenage
    71' Stevenage subst · Substitution 2
    Off: B. Lubala · On: J. Young
  9. Walsall
    72' Walsall Goal · Normal Goal
    R. Richards · Assist: J. Okeke
  10. Walsall
    74' Walsall subst · Substitution 5
    Off: C. Barrett · On: R. Maher
  11. Stevenage
    76' Stevenage Card · Yellow Card
    L. Freestone

    Foul

  12. Stevenage
    77' Stevenage subst · Substitution 3
    Off: L. Thompson · On: G. Ahadme

Match Stats

Stat Stevenage Walsall
Fouls 13 15
Pass Accuracy 85% 63%
Offsides 2 2
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 19 6
Corners 4 2
Total Passes 544 252
Yellow Cards 1 0
Blocked Shots 6 1
Shots on Target 1 4
xG — —
Shots off Target 12 1
Possession 69% 31%
Goals Prevented — —
Accurate Passes 465 160
Shots Inside Box 8 3
Saves 3 0
Shots Outside Box 11 3

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ Stevenage's early lead at 57' was crucial but short-lived as Walsall responded quickly with R. Richards' goal at 63' to level the score.
  • ▸ The second goal by R. Richards at 72' was a pivotal moment, giving Walsall the lead they would not relinquish and ensuring their victory in the EFL Trophy match.