Walsall travelled to South London to face the league leaders Charlton Athletic at The Valley, in a game where most people would have immediately written off the Saddlers chances before the match.
Charlton did start the game at a very high tempo and immediately put Walsall under pressure from the first whistle. Early possession from the Addicks set Dany N'Guessan away and he rifled a shot straight at 'keeper David Grof who managed to divert it away. A quick flurry of Johnnie Jackson corners ultimately came to nothing as Charlton looked to make their mark.
Emmanuel Ledesma then broke away on the right hand side, crossing a low ball into Jon Macken who's attempt was blocked. Florent Cuvelier did manage to catch the rebound with a shot, but it was blocked on the edge of the area. Alex Nicholls and Sam Mantom were then involved from corners but their strikes were unable to find there way through the solid Charlton defence.
In truth, there wasn't too much between the sides as the half wore on, but in the 34th minute, a Johnnie Jackson free kick away on the right side found its way to the lively Dany N'Guessan who rose high above the Walsall defence and guided the ball past Grof in the Saddlers net.
Half Time: Charlton Athletic 1 Walsall 0
The second half began as the first started with neat Charlton passing, as they looked to extend their lead. Striker Bradley Wright-Phillips had two chances in quick succession, the first was scuffed wide, whilst the second was blocked by a stubborn Walsall back-line.
A few Walsall half chances followed, but the Saddlers were let down by their final ball on various occasions. In a game which was becoming a lot more end to end, Charlton left-back Rhoys Wiggins, played a great ball into the box which caused havoc in the Walsall defence but was eventually cleared over the bar. At the other end, more Walsall pressure followed by way of a series of corners and the Saddlers did put the ball in the back of the net but Lee Beevers' finish was deemed offside.
Charlton then nearly made Walsall pay for not taking advantage of the ball when they had it. N'Guessan again unleashed a fierce drive at Grof but the Hungarian was at hand to punch the ball away.
Towards the end of the game, the Saddlers frontline, which consisted of substitutes Paterson and Bowerman, mounted one last attack but unfortunately couldn't beat Ben Hamer in the Charlton net.
It was a desperately unlucky day for the Saddlers who more than matched the league leaders on occasions. In the second half, I thought that we were well worthy of a point in a game where we were never really expected to gain anything from. The Saddlers fans applauded the players for their efforts at the end of the game and they can be proud of their display. I would hope that we could pick up 3 points against Tranmere next weekend on the back of today and really make ourselves safe.
Result: Charlton Athletic 1 (N'Guessan 35') Walsall 0
Att: 15,253
By: Jack Hansford