Lee Bell hails ‘great advert for League Two’ as Crewe snatch draw with Walsall

The early-season front-runners both maintained their unbeaten starts to the campaign after a rocket from Crewe defender Reece Hutchinson squared matters in stoppage time.

The Railwaymen had pressed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages after Aaron Pressley’s double – including a first-half penalty conversion – edged the Saddlers ahead before the hour mark. Josh March had cancelled out Pressley’s first goal.

“It was an excellent response from our players and we just didn’t chuck it up into the box, we kept trying to play it,” said Bell. “We set up slightly differently in the second half and it worked for us.

“The penalty was harsh, but if it had been for us you’d want it given, and there was a foul leading up to their second goal. Our goals were really well taken; it was a lovely pass for Josh March and he came up with a smart finish. We sustained our attacks and then we had our left-back in the box scoring at the end.

“Walsall played some really good football too and I doubt there was a better League Two game tonight. It was pleasing to keep our unbeaten run going and we deserved that as we went for it in the second half.”

But before Crewe’s late push, Pressley punished the hosts after Josh Stephenson handled a cross from Charlie Crew, sending Tom Booth the wrong way from the 42nd-minute spot-kick.

March levelled five minutes after the break when he took Joel Tabiner’s crossfield pass down in his stride and advanced into the box before prodding the ball into the far corner.

Pressley restored the Saddlers’ lead with a downward header after a rehearsed free-kick routine to take his tally to five for the campaign.

Crewe deserved their point but after several near misses from Callum Agius, they left it late with Hutchinson blasting in a first-time effort from just inside the box.

Ahead of the game, Lee Grant completed his 15th signing of a busy summer, and the Walsall head coach said the acquisition of former Bristol Rovers and Huddersfield midfielder Antony Evans will add quality to the Saddlers’ midfield.

“The club has worked really hard and it (transfer business) has been exhausting,” said Grant. “We were well worth our lead tonight after we dominated the first half.

“There was a different mentality after we retook our lead which I didn’t like, although full credit to Crewe, who are a well-coached side, for the way they fought back.

“We’re disappointed that we’ve dropped two points with a minute to go, but we’re looking forward and focusing on ourselves.

“Aaron Pressley is one of the hardest-working players I’ve come across. We want to work to create opportunities and Aaron is really maximising his potential.”