Flinders denies Saddlers
Walsall extended their unbeaten run to six games with a goalless draw against Hartlepool after failing to find a way past outstanding goalkeeper Scott Flinders at the Banks's Stadium.
The Saddlers failed to take their chances as Sam Mantom, in his second game on loan from West Brom, completely miskicked from Will Grigg's cross with the goal at his mercy late on.
Hartlepool had to make a late change when skipper and central defender Sam Collins picked up an injury in the warm-up and was replaced by 19-year-old Josh Rowbotham.
Walsall lost defender Ollie Lancashire with a head injury in the 24th minute of a first half where chances were rare until stoppage time when striker George Bowerman twice failed with reasonable chances to head past Flinders.
In the second half, Pools concentrated on keeping Walsall out and created only one opening themselves. From a quick throw-in Antony Sweeney burst into the box and saw his fierce shot blocked by home keeper David Grof.
Source: PA
Source: PA