Michael Smith scored his third goal in two games for Swindon Town as the Wiltshire club rescued a point against Walsall in League One this evening.

The game had started promisingly for the Saddlers when Febian Brandy saw his shot go just past Wes Foderingham's post, while Craig Westcarr twice threatened with efforts in the opening minutes as the Robins defence were tested.

Swindon looked to forge a lead themselves with Massimo Luongo going close to scoring, while Darren Ward failed to direct a header goalwards midway through the first period.

Walsall made the visitors pay for their first-half profligacy in front of goal when a Westcarr cross found Romaine Sawyers and the forward slotted the ball past Foderingham from inside the penalty area.

Dean Smith's men, who started the game in League One playoff places, tried to find a second goal after the interval with Brandy and Malvind Benning both producing saves from the Swindon keeper.

Walsall were punished when Michael Smith, fresh from his brace in the 3-1 win over Shrewsbury at the weekend, nodded home Ward's cross to bring Mark Cooper's side back on terms.

The Saddlers tried to edge back in front with both Sawyers and Westcarr seeing their shots failing to test Foderingham, and the West Midlands club were forced to settle for a point.

However, despite the draw, Walsall held on to their playoff place while Swindon stay within five points of the Saddlers in eighth place.

Written by
Chris O'Keefe