Match report

Walsall Defeats Crewe 1-0 in League Two Clash

Walsall
Walsall
1–0
FT
Crewe
Crewe
Dec 26, 2025

Walsall emerged victorious against Crewe in their League Two fixture, securing the win through an early goal by J. Matt. Despite several substitutions and yellow cards that disrupted both teams’ rhythm, Walsall held on to claim three crucial points.

Key Facts

  • • Walsall defeated Crewe 1-0 in League Two.
  • • J. Matt scored the only goal for Walsall at half-time (45').
  • • Crewe received two yellow cards - L. Billington and M. Holicek, both for fouls.
  • • Walsall made multiple substitutions, including J. Jellis on for C. Clarke in the 46th minute.

Lineups

Walsall

Formation: 3-5-2

Starting XI

  • 1 M. Roberts (G)
  • 33 R. Browne (D)
  • 4 A. Flint (D)
  • 30 E. Weir (D)
  • 2 C. Barrett (M)
  • 22 J. Jellis (M)
  • 14 B. Comley (M)
  • 29 R. Finnigan (M)
  • 18 V. Harper (M)
  • 9 J. Matt (F)
  • 15 D. Kanu (F)

Substitutes

  • 12 S. Hornby
  • 8 C. Lakin
  • 17 C. Clarke
  • 19 A. Pressley
  • 25 J. Okeke
  • 37 A. Adomah
  • 20 D. Cox

Crewe

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Starting XI

  • 13 S. Waller
  • 14 C. Finney (D)
  • 18 J. Connolly (D)
  • 2 L. Billington (D)
  • 3 R. Hutchinson (D)
  • 23 J. Powell (M)
  • 6 M. H. Sanders (M)
  • 26 T. O'Reilly (M)
  • 19 O. Lunt (M)
  • 20 C. Agius (M)
  • 24 J. March (F)

Substitutes

  • 4 J. J. Mingi
  • 1 T. Booth
  • 9 O. Bogle
  • 15 D. Rankine
  • 17 M. Holicek
  • 22 P. Croker
  • 31 L. Moult

Timeline

  1. Walsall
    45' Walsall Goal · Normal Goal
    J. Matt
  2. Walsall
    46' Walsall subst · Substitution 1
    Off: J. Jellis · On: C. Clarke
  3. Crewe
    63' Crewe Card · Yellow Card
    L. Billington

    Foul

  4. Crewe
    68' Crewe subst · Substitution 1
    Off: J. March · On: M. Holicek
  5. Crewe
    68' Crewe subst · Substitution 2
    Off: Jack Powell · On: L. Moult
  6. Crewe
    70' Crewe subst · Substitution 3
    Off: C. Agius · On: O. Bogle
  7. Walsall
    72' Walsall subst · Substitution 2
    Off: D. Kanu · On: A. Adomah
  8. Walsall
    73' Walsall subst · Substitution 3
    Off: J. Matt · On: Aaron Pressley
  9. Crewe
    78' Crewe subst · Substitution 4
    Off: C. Finney · On: J. J. Mingi
  10. Crewe
    79' Crewe Card · Yellow Card
    M. Holicek

    Foul

  11. Crewe
    83' Crewe subst · Substitution 5
    Off: Owen Lunt · On: D. Rankine
  12. Walsall
    90'+3 Walsall Card · Yellow Card
    Vincent Harper

    Time wasting

  13. Walsall
    90'+4 Walsall subst · Substitution 5
    Off: Vincent Harper · On: J. Okeke
  14. Walsall
    90' Walsall subst · Substitution 4
    Off: R. Finnigan · On: C. Lakin

Match Stats

Stat Walsall Crewe
Fouls 10 9
Pass Accuracy 71% 83%
Offsides 0 3
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 13 6
Corners 2 10
Total Passes 293 455
Yellow Cards 1 2
Blocked Shots 2 3
Shots on Target 5 2
xG 2.15 0.16
Shots off Target 6 1
Possession 39% 61%
Goals Prevented — —
Accurate Passes 209 379
Shots Inside Box 11 4
Saves 2 4
Shots Outside Box 2 2

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ J. Matt’s goal at half-time was crucial as it broke Crewe's resistance and set Walsall up for a strong second half.
  • ▸ Crewe's multiple substitutions in the 68th minute, including Jack Powell and C. Agius coming on, marked an attempt to turn around their fortunes but ultimately failed.