Walsall 3-1 Carlisle United: Sorry Blues lose again

"You're not fit to wear the shirt," many in the away end sang as the Blues were beaten by the League Two high-fliers.

Walsall swept into an early lead through Nathan Lowe then, after a spell of sterile Carlisle possession, grabbed another at the start of the second half via Jamie Jellis.

Jamille Matt added a third and Jon Mellish's goal was a slim Carlisle consolation as they remain firmly in the fourth-tier relegation zone.

It was a seventh game without a win in all competitions and the display did little to convince supporters that United under Mike Williamson are set to climb out of trouble - boos from the away end greeting the final whistle.

Williamson made two changes to the side that started Saturday's draw with Harrogate Town.

Defender Aaron Hayden returned from a calf injury and went back into the side for his first outing for more than a month, while Josh Vela was recalled in midfield.

United fail to prevent Jamie Jellis scoring Walsall's second (Image: Richard Parkes)

They took the places of Dominic Sadi and Taylor Charters, who dropped to the bench, while Charlie Wyke was out of the squad, Anton Dudik stepping up to the bench.

Walsall boss Sadler named the same XI and subs from Saturday's 4-1 win at Grimsby Town.

United lined up with Mellish and Cameron Harper at left and right wing-back respectively, yet the reshaped line-up kept Walsall out for less than two minutes.

The home side pressed United deep in the Blues' half, Harrison Neal dispossessed and Lowe with room to shoot from the edge of the box, his low finish going in off the post.

It was the worst possible start and Carlisle had to survive another Walsall raid as Connor Barrett cut past Mellish but finished tamely.

Carlisle eventually built a spell of possession with Mellish's energy offering an outlet on the left, while Hayden failed to get a convincing header onto a Callum Guy free-kick.

Mellish's cross narrowly failed to find Harper before Guy saw a shot deflect behind, other Carlisle attacks failing on the final ball.

United continued to enjoy the majority of possession, Walsall offering little further goal threat by the first half's midway point despite the strong line-leading of Matt, with a Jellis cross on the counter going unrewarded.

A long ball from keeper Tommy Simkin then gave Lowe another chance but the forward, after controlling the ball behind the United defence, was denied by Harry Lewis.

Carlisle then went back on the attack and switched the ball from left to right before Harper cut in and shot narrowly wide of the near post.

Jamille Matt scores Walsall’s third goal (Image: Richard Parkes)

United went in at the break having had the majority of possession but yet to create a real scoring opportunity.

Williamson brought on Sadi at the break for Hayden, the sub going to right wing-back as Harper switched to the left and Mellish dropped into the back three.

But Carlisle contrived to concede early in the second half, Matt winning an easy header and Jellis speeding onto it, away from the defence on the right of the box and clipping a shot across Lewis.

And on 56 minutes they went further behind, the Blues repeatedly unable to clear a ball into their box before Matt clipped it home.

Williamson made a triple change, sending on Tyler Burey, Charters and Ethan Robson, while Lavelle needed treatment for a bash to the nose, Ben Barclay eventually taking his place.

Jon Mellish scores United's consolation (Image: Richard Parkes)

More substitutions came, as Walsall veteran Albert Adomah almost created a fourth, before Burey won a corner and Mellish, from close range, turned in Biggins' delivery.

United, though, could not find a further way back and Lewis made a good save to deny Saddlers sub Danny Johnson a late goal, Carlisle's defeat seeing them remain second bottom, three points adrift in the drop zone.

Walsall: Simkin, Allen, Williams, Okagbue, Barrett, Gordon, Lakin (Earing 61), Jellis (Hall 71), Stirk (Comley 71), Matt (Admoah 61), Lowe (Johnson 79). Not used: Hornby, Daniels.

Goals: Lowe 2, Jellis 49, Matt 56.

Booked: Jellis, Matt.

United: Lewis, Thomas, Lavelle (Barclay 71), Hayden (Sadi 46), Mellish, Harper (Burey 60), Guy (Robson 60), Neal, Vela (Charters 60), Biggins, Armstrong. Not used: Breeze, Dudik.

Goal: Mellish 81.

Booked: Thomas, Lavelle.

Ref: Scott Oldham.

Crowd: 4,939 (335 United fans).