The Saddlers suffered their second successive home defeat, this time at the hands of Accrington Stanley, as visiting keeper Connor Ripley denied Dean Keates’ side on a number of occasions.

It was the visitors who took the lead in controversial fashion as Isaiah Osbourne was adjudged to have fouled Seamus Conneely just inside the area.

Stanley striker Billy Kee stepped up and Liam Roberts was sent the wrong way as the forward placed it right down the middle.

Just before the hour mark and the Saddlers were denied twice in quick succession. First, Josh Ginnelly saw his downward effort parried behind by Ripley for a corner.

From the corner, George Dobson found Jon Guthrie at the back post and, but for a fantastic save from Ripley down to his left, the towering centre-back would have had his first goal of the season and the equaliser for the Saddlers.

In the second half, it was Roberts who was the busier of the two keepers.

Seven minutes into the second 45 and Jordan Clark danced his way round the Saddlers defence but Roberts produced a great one-handed save down to his right. 

Moments later and the Saddlers keeper was one again called into action, this time to deny Sean McConville. 

The winger cut inside Nicky Devlin and his effort was destined for the top right corner but Roberts produced a cat-like reflex save to deny Stanley their second goal.

Keates’ men continued to build the pressure as the time ticked down but Ripley was at his best again. 

As the board went up for stoppage time, Ismail was unmarked at the back post and his half-volley was tipped round fantastically by Ripley.