Match report

Walsall Triumph Over Tranmere, Secure League Two Win 3-1

Tranmere
Tranmere
1–3
FT
Walsall
Walsall
Jan 17, 2026

Walsall dominated the game against Tranmere, securing a crucial victory in their League Two clash. Despite a late goal by J. Ironside for Tranmere, Walsall's early goals from P. Farquharson, D. Kanu, and J. Matt proved decisive.

Key Facts

  • • Walsall scored three goals in the first half: 38th minute (P. Farquharson), 45th minute (D. Kanu).
  • • J. Matt added another goal for Walsall in the 65th minute.
  • • Tranmere managed to score a consolation goal through J. Ironside in the 90th minute.
  • • C. Barrett and S. Finley received yellow cards for their respective teams.

Lineups

Tranmere

Formation: 3-4-1-2

Starting XI

  • 12 J. Barrett (G)
  • 5 N. Smith (D)
  • 15 W. Tamen (D)
  • 30 A. McGowan (D)
  • 14 J. Joseph (M)
  • 8 S. Finley (M)
  • 6 R. Smallwood (M)
  • 23 E. Bristow (M)
  • 7 C. Whitaker (F)
  • 27 D. Jones (F)
  • 18 C. Jennings (F)

Substitutes

  • 2 C. Norman
  • 3 P. Brough
  • 9 K. Dennis
  • 10 J. Davison
  • 29 J. Ironside
  • 42 N. Kenneh

Walsall

Formation: 3-5-2

Starting XI

  • 1 M. Roberts (G)
  • 6 P. Farquharson (D)
  • 4 A. Flint (D)
  • 30 E. Weir (D)
  • 2 C. Barrett (M)
  • 22 J. Jellis (M)
  • 14 B. Comley (M)
  • 23 A. Pattison (M)
  • 18 V. Harper (M)
  • 9 J. Matt (F)
  • 15 D. Kanu (F)

Substitutes

  • 12 S. Hornby
  • 8 C. Lakin
  • 11 A. Loupalo-Bi
  • 17 C. Clarke
  • 31 R. Richards
  • 35 K. Lopata
  • 37 A. Adomah

Timeline

  1. Walsall
    38' Walsall Goal · Normal Goal
    P. Farquharson · Assist: E. Weir
  2. Walsall
    43' Walsall Card · Yellow Card
    C. Barrett

    Foul

  3. Walsall
    45' Walsall Goal · Normal Goal
    D. Kanu · Assist: A. Pattison
  4. Walsall
    65' Walsall Goal · Normal Goal
    J. Matt · Assist: Aden Flint
  5. Walsall
    76' Walsall subst · Substitution 1
    Off: A. Pattison · On: C. Lakin
  6. Walsall
    76' Walsall subst · Substitution 2
    Off: J. Matt · On: A. Loupalo-Bi
  7. Tranmere
    77' Tranmere subst · Substitution 1
    Off: D. Jones · On: C. Norman
  8. Tranmere
    77' Tranmere subst · Substitution 2
    Off: E. Bristow · On: Patrick Brough
  9. Tranmere
    77' Tranmere subst · Substitution 3
    Off: R. Smallwood · On: K. Dennis
  10. Tranmere
    78' Tranmere subst · Substitution 4
    Off: J. Joseph · On: J. Ironside
  11. Tranmere
    81' Tranmere Card · Yellow Card
    S. Finley

    Foul

  12. Walsall
    87' Walsall subst · Substitution 3
    Off: E. Weir · On: K. Lopata
  13. Walsall
    87' Walsall subst · Substitution 4
    Off: D. Kanu · On: A. Adomah
  14. Walsall
    90'+4 Walsall Card · Yellow Card
    K. Lopata

    Argument

  15. Tranmere
    90' Tranmere Goal · Normal Goal
    J. Ironside · Assist: C. Jennings

Match Stats

Stat Tranmere Walsall
Fouls 12 11
Pass Accuracy 67% 37%
Offsides 0 1
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 11 8
Corners 3 10
Total Passes 339 186
Yellow Cards 1 2
Blocked Shots 3 2
Shots on Target 2 4
xG 0.71 1.35
Shots off Target 6 2
Possession 64% 36%
Goals Prevented — —
Accurate Passes 227 69
Shots Inside Box 8 6
Saves 1 1
Shots Outside Box 3 2

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ Walsall took an early lead when P. Farquharson scored from E. Weir's assist in the 38th minute, setting the tone for a dominant first half.
  • ▸ D. Kanu's goal just before halftime (45th minute) further solidified Walsall’s position and demoralized Tranmere.
  • ▸ Tranmere tried to fight back with multiple substitutions but J. Ironside's late goal in the 90th minute was too little, too late.