Kory Roberts’ goal wasn’t enough as Walsall’s Reserves had to settle for a draw against Grimsby Town at Blundell Park in the Central League.
After a goalless first half, the Saddlers took the lead when Roberts headed in from a corner.
It was a special moment for the defender who recently returned from 15 month injury lay-off.
Walsall couldn’t hold on to their lead and the Mariners levelled seven minutes from time through Lennon Stead.
Miguel Llera’s side had some decent chances in the first half.
Alex McSkeane flashed a shot wide after just three minutes while Joe Willis’ pile driver just missed the target.
Grimsby also had their moments in the first half with Brandon McPherson coming close for the hosts.
Walsall made a decent start to the second half and took the lead on 62 minutes when Roberts found the net with a header at the back post.
Llera’s men were unlucky not to double their lead two minutes later after a nice move culminated in McSkeane striking against the post.
Grimsby responded well and pushed for the leveller. They got it on 83 minutes when Stead stabbed in a low cross at the back post.
The hosts almost won it in the final minute but McPherson couldn’t find the target with his effort.
In the end, both sides had to settle for a point.
Saddlers line-up: Trialist, Trialist, J. Lynch, T. Leak, S. Perry, K. Roberts, J. Campbell, Trialist, A. McSkeane, Willis, Mukadam.
Subs: Rogerson (GK), B. Friel, P. Moss, L. Pearce, S. Sarvani