Superior Forest Green are denied by Roberts

WALSALL goalkeeper Liam Roberts frustrated Forest Green with a superb display in Saturday’s League Two draw at the New Lawn.

The Gloucestershire side were dominant throughout, having 27 shots to the Saddlers’ two, and ten compared to one on target.

However, the visitors netted with that solitary effort, and Rovers had to settle for a third draw in fourth League matches.

Forest Green head coach Mark Cooper said: “The boys are playing brilliantly. We dominated the game again and had 27 shots, so as a coach you can’t ask for much more, but we remain unbeaten and have to keep positive.

“We had six really good chances and I have full confidence that the boys will come good. As a group we’re in a good place as we’re playing so well.”

Cooper, however, was critical of referee Anthony Coggins, who failed to award a penalty when Jamille Matt was bundled over.

He added: “I made a conscious decision to not to talk about the referees (at the start of the season), but the referee was horrendous. He was a bit rusty and was poor.”

Walsall went ahead on 14 minutes when Bristol City loanee George Nurse crossed for Caolan Lavery to nod beyond Luke McGee.

In reply, Aaron Collins induced a save from Roberts and Matt scuffed wide with only the stopper to beat.

Matt had a penalty appeal turned down and Ebou Adams spurned a golden chance when he shot wide with the goal at his mercy.

However, Rovers eventually drew level after 61 minutes, with Collins picking out Matt for a cool closerange finish.

Matt was denied a second with 15 minutes to go as Roberts scooped the ball off the line and he again saved the day when clawing away a powerful Collins effort.

Walsall’s former Bristol Rovers boss Darrell Clarke said his side had got away with “daylight robbery”.

He admitted: “We were shocking, absolutely awful apart from one bit of quality for the goal. We got away with daylight robbery – miles off our performance levels today and not good enough.”