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Liam Gordon's heroics not enough to keep Walsall in automatic promotion places

Liam Gordon's heroics not enough to keep Walsall in automatic promotion places

Walsall lost their spot in the top two of League Two for the first time in five months despite Liam Gordon scoring a late equalizer to secure a 2-2 draw against Harrogate.

The Saddlers fell to fourth place after going 11 games without a win, while the draw helped Harrogate move seven points clear of the relegation zone with three matches remaining.

Walsall took the lead in the 16th minute when Connor Barrett's shot was deflected into the net by Anthony O’Connor.

However, the lead was short-lived as Harrogate equalized six minutes later to end a six-game winless streak on the road.

Harrogate hit the post through James Daly before Josh March scored with a spectacular volley from a difficult angle following Tommy Simkin's save on Ellis Taylor's shot.

Harrogate then took the lead in the 62nd minute when Taylor's strike deflected off a defender to beat Simkin.

Simkin made important saves to keep Walsall in the game, including a double save to prevent an own goal and deny Jack Muldoon's rebound, before stopping a shot from Taylor later on.

Ryan Stirk set up Gordon for the equalizer from 15 yards out, securing a crucial point for Walsall.