First-half strikes from Morgan Ferrier and Isaiah Osbourne continued Walsall’s promising start to the season with a 2-1 win over previously undefeated Gillingham.

Both sides went close early, with Tom Eaves’ powerful header flying just wide for Gillingham, while Walsall full-back Luke Leahy’s 20-yarder was saved by Tomas Holy.

The hosts led on 12 minutes as George Dobson fed Ferrier to cut inside to fire a superb strike into the top corner from just inside the box.

Josh Parker drilled narrowly wide for Gillingham from 20 yards 10 minutes later, before Ferrier nearly produced a replica of his opener but fired straight at Holy.

Gills’ Brandon Hanlan forced a smart save from Liam Roberts but Walsall grabbed a vital second before the break as Osbourne swept into the bottom corner from 20 yards.

The Saddlers nearly had a third on 51 minutes but Andy Cook was foiled by Holy’s strong right hand.

Gillingham came on strong late in the game and after Callum Reilly’s header was cleared off the line by Dobson, they pulled one back at the death when Eaves headed home Barry Fuller’s deep cross.

However, it was not enough to maintain their unbeaten run as they were leapfrogged in the League One table by their opponents.

The Gills slip to 6th place in League One and next up for Steve Lovell’s side is a visit to Priestfield on Wednesday night from former Premier League side Sunderland.

 

Walsall line up: Roberts, Devlin, Fitzwater, Guthrie, Leahy, Morris, Osbourne, Dobson, Ginnelly, Cook, Ferrier (Gordon 90).

Subs not used: Dunn, Wilson, Kinsella, Sangha, Kouhyar, Candlin.

Goals: Ferrier (12), Osbourne (4).

Booked: Dobson (89).

GIllingham line up: Holy, O’Neill (Fuller 78), Garmston, Zakuani, Ehmer, Bingham (Reilly 67), Byrne, Charles-Cook, Parker, Eaves, Hanlan (Wilkinson 67).

Subs not used: Hadler, Lacey, Nasseri, Stevenson.

Goal: Eaves (93).

Booked: O’Neill (78), Ehmer (86).

Referee: Mr Trevor Kettle

Attendance: 4361

Photo credit to http://www.kentproimages.co.uk