Walsall ended a run of successive defeats with a hard fought draw at home to Newport County.

It was a game of few clear cut opportunities where defences were on top. 

Darrell Clarke made three changes to the team that lost 1-0 at Crewe Alexandra. 

Mat Sadler, James Hardy and Elijah Adebayo came in for Zak Jules, Jack Kiersey and Josh Gordon. 

Hardy impressed in the first half for the Saddlers, showing great composure and creativity. 

He had Walsall’s first real chance after 24 minutes after he skipped past two defenders to get into a good position on the edge of the box and whipped in a shot but it just fizzed wide. 

Hardy was again involved in a move which led to Cameron Norman striking a half-volley from 25 yards which again just dropped wide. 

Walsall made a decent start to the second half and had a good chance early on when Dan Scarr headed over from a Cameron Norman corner. 

There wasn’t too many clear cut chances created  by either side in the second half. 

Stuart Sinclair fizzed a shot wide after 76 minutes while Jamille Matt wasn’t too far away with a header from a corner for the visitors moments later. 

There was a late chance for Elijah Adebayo but his effort went comfortably over the bar. 

Walsall withstood a bit of late pressure but in the end, both sides had to settle for a point.