Walsall analysis: Saddlers cling on to top spot despite falling to defeat

The Bescot has been a fortress for much of the campaign but back-to-back defeats on home soil suggests they're even starting to struggle on their own stomping ground. 

In total, Walsall have collected just 10 points from the last 33 available since roaring to a club record nine-match winning streak at the end of January. 

Now, Bradford remain two points adrift of Walsall after losing 1-0 at Gillingham but the so-called bump in the road is showing no signs of easing for Mat Sadler's men. 

They did start strongly, just as they did against Carlisle United on Tuesday. Ellis Harrison took just six minutes to mark his return from illness with the opening goal.

It was a ruthless attacking move. Ryan Stirk stole the midfield at the halfway line, Albert Adomah floated dangerously between the lines and weighted his through ball to perfection for Harrison to slam a powerful finish into the bottom corner. 

But if those inside Bescot expected it to set the wheels in motion for a return to winning ways then they would be severely mistaken. 

Instead, Walsall switched off at a set piece and Grimsby punished them by pulling themselves level. Jason Svanthorsson worked his free-kick short to Jayden Luker on the edge of the box and the Luton Town loanee was afforded acres of space to place a precise finish into the far bottom corner. 

Walsall were often last to second balls and there was a scrappiness to their play which was akin to the performance they produced against Swindon in their last home game.