Walsall 0 Notts County 0

Roy Carroll and his woodwork kept County in with hopes of survival - and left Jordan Cook cursing his luck.

Winger Cook should have had a hat trick in two second half minutes.

In the 66th minute midfielder Romaine Sawyers cut the ball back from the byline, but 37-year old former Manchester United keeper Carroll turned back the years to claw away Cook's point blank strike.

Cook then hooked header from James Chambers onto the post from six yards before drilling a shot from the same distance against the bar.

County were left in the drop zone, but caretaker boss Paul Hart said:

"We've got to think we can do it. I'm not a prophet, but I think both these teams deserve to stay up.

"I thought our keeper was excellent. That's what he's there for, but he showed great levels of desire and fitness."

Cook should have put Walsall two goals up in the first five minutes.

After only 29 seconds defender Haydn Hollis misjudged the bounce of the ball and Cook nipped into the right side of the box to lob Carroll, but saw his effort fly inches wide of the far post.

Hollis then produced another gaffe when he misplaced a pass on the edge of the area, but Cook dragged his low shot wide from the same position.

Walsall are now only three points above the relegation places, but boss Dean Smith said:

"We're in a better position than eight other teams around us, but it's about what we do. Two more wins should see us safe. It's always an opportunity missed when you have that many chances."

"The only thing missing was composure in front of goal and maybe better finishing. We can't buy goals at the moment, but we're getting in the right positions."