Following Saturday's disappointing final day defeat to Crewe Alexandra Bescot Banter columnist Calum Williams shares his Match Report;
There was a party atmosphere at Gretsy Road, on a day where neither side really had anything resting on the result, and nothing to play for, other than pride and boosting their respective points totals for the season. This ‘no pressure’ attitude was certainly suggested by Crewe Alexandra manager Steve Davis, who fielded a home grown team, all of whom had graduated through the academy, although many have been first team regulars throughout the season.
Of course, this didn’t deter the fans from flaunting their best fancy dress efforts, with a smurf, dinosaur, and a banana all present in the Walsall end! The Walsall side saw Adam Chambers retain his captaincy with the absence of Andy Butler, and Nicky Featherstone given a start in the centre of the field, leaving Sam Mantom on the bench.
The first action of the game saw the Saddlers surge forward, Nicky Featherstone shooting straight at Alex
keeper Ben Garratt. It was quite a slow start to the game, although the travelling Walsall fans were jubilant after a Danny Ings goal had put Burnley into the lead against Wolves at the Molineux, to drop them into deep danger of relegation to League One.
In fact, it took around 20 minutes for the first meaningful shot of the game, which came from Alex number 11 Byron Moore, which flew wide without troubling Sam Johnstone in the Walsall goal. A free kick soon after saw Crewe number 14 Kelvin Mellor head straight at the Walsall keeper on loan from Manchester United.
But the Saddlers fought back, minutes later Will Grigg burst into the box, and after being closed down well by the defence, Jamie Paterson took a curled effort at goal, which flew inches wide of the right hand post. Soon after, Will Grigg again found a way through, he carried on running after being clipped by his marker, and his ball in found Febian Brandy, whose connection was weak, and easily smothered by Garratt.
This was a very open game, in which both sides had their fair share of possession, a dangerous cross into the Walsall penalty area from the wing saw Dean Holden head away for the Saddlers, before lively Alex youngster Max Clayton fashioned a chance at goal, shooting on the turn, but too high to trouble Johnstone.
That was that for the first half, a decent showing from both sides, but the game certainly needed something to spark the players into life. Despite the lack of action, there was still a good atmosphere at Gretsy road.
H/T: Crewe Alexandra 0 Walsall 0
The Saddlers looked to come out of the blocks quickly, Febian Brandy creating a chance within the first minute of the second half, but he fired just wide, although the keeper appeared to have it covered. The game continued to be a midfield battle, with Walsall fans still cheering at midlands rivals Wolves’ expense, who had gone 2-0 down and on the verge of a second successive relegation to League 1.
Saddlers striker Febian Brandy looked much improved from his first half display in which he never really got into the game. He was hungry for a goal, and after some brilliant build up play, his effort initially seemed weak, but Crewe Alex keeper Garratt could only watch the ball as it bobbled its way out of his reach, only to come back off the upright to deny Walsall of the lead.
As the scenes on the pitch livened up, so did the Walsall fans, with a fantastic gambling fancy dress parade making its way across the away end, amongst a superb atmosphere in the Whitby Morrison Ice Cream Van Stand! James Baxendale became the next player to try his luck from inside the penalty area, forcing a save out of the keeper, leading to another chance for Nicky Featherstone, but he was closed down well by the defence.
The Saddlers continued to pile on the pressure, Febian Brandy wriggling his way through the defence to play a ball into the area, and when his pass only found a Crewe defender, the clearance fell to young left back Mal Benning for the Saddlers, whose shot certainly packed a punch, but was blocked for a corner following more sturdy defensive play from the home side.
Benning was the man to whip in the corner, which appeared to have been dealt with by the Alex defence, but the ball wasn’t cleared. None of the Saddlers players could poke it goal wards, Dean Holden coming closest but was again closed down well by the defence, Chambers shooting high and wide relieved the pressure.
Before this corner, Craig Westcarr had been brought on as a substitute for striker Febian Brandy, the man who received, and has often received this season, a healthy round of applause and standing ovation for his efforts from the Saddlers faithful. Many will be wondering whether he, and Northern Ireland target man Will Grigg will remain in the Walsall squad next season, with 27 goals between them throughout the 2012/13 campaign, Saddlers fans will certainly be hoping so!
The battle for a goal continued, but both sides defences were holding strong, good work from Jamie Paterson allowed Craig Westcarr a run through on goal, but the Crewe defence were on hand to clear, whilst at the other end, a burst into the danger zone from on loan Newcastle United midfielder Bradden Inman required Saddlers right back James Chambers to be alert, and clear the threat.
However, on the 84th minute, the game took a turn for the worse for the Saddlers, in controversial fashion. When Alex attacker Byron Moore found himself in space, Saddlers keeper Johnstone came out to close the angle. But when he challenged for the ball, despite appearing to get a hand to it, and the referee allowing play to continue, the linesman on the far side seemed adamant it was a penalty, and so the referee blew his whistle and pointed to the spot.
To further Johnstone’s frustrations, the power penalty was converted by Luke Murphy, despite the keeper guessing the right way, and he was subsequently booked for kicking the ball away in vexation.
GOAL: Crewe Alexandra 1 (Murphy PEN 78’) Walsall 0
The Saddlers looked for an immediate response, Ashley Hemmings coming on for the Saddlers to give the side a burst of energy. And his arrival did seem to perk the players up, his well worked run down the wing led to a Jamie Paterson strike straight at the keeper.
The Saddlers continued to search for the equaliser, Craig Westcarr felled on the edge of the box, but the referee waved away any the protests and Crewe went on an attack of their own. After George Ray took a free kick, Ryan Colclough picked up the ball on the right and crossed over in search of a man in the box.
When his cross evaded everyone, it came out to the player that scored a late goal at the Banks’s Stadium earlier on in the season to snatch a point for Alex, on loan Arsenal Man Chuks Aneke. And when he was given too much space from the Saddlers defence, the 19 year old striker produced a peach of a goal, curling the ball over everyone, and into the net off the upright. Nothing Sam Johnstone could have done to stop that one, which put the result beyond doubt for Crewe.
GOAL: Crewe Alexandra 2 (Aneke 85’) Walsall 0
There was just time for Craig Westcarr to try his luck for a final time, but his angled ball in didn’t trouble Garrett in the Crewe goal, and the referee ended the final game of the season for the two sides. Man of the match was given to Crewe number 27, Ryan Colclough.
Had this game come at any other time in the season, we’d probably be left rueing our missed chances, and fuming over more questionable decisions from the match officials. But despite what was overall a below par performance from the side, the travelling Walsall fans were more than happy with their sides efforts this season, finishing 6 wins better off than the previous campaign, and 20 points better off than the 2010/11 season.
The real good news from Saddlers fan’s point of view, was the inevitability of two more derby days next season, against Wolves, who lost 2-1 at home to Burnley, severely denting their hopes of staying in the Championship for next season. Some of the fans couldn’t contain their excitement at the end of the game, running onto the pitch to express their appreciation, a shame for those that wanted to cheer the players off for a final time.
But Saddlers fans have every right to be over the moon with the way the past 7 months have panned out. It’s been an exhilarating season, starting with a rocky patch, but redeemed with a revival after the turn of the New Year, and a wake up call following a 5-1 defeat at the Ricoh arena at the hands of Coventry City.
Ever since then, the Saddlers players have excelled, and can be very proud of their efforts this season, despite finishing 9th in the league after many had dreamt of the play-offs and Wembley beyond. But Walsall’s young side has proved it has a lot of talent, with players like Will Grigg, Febian Brandy and Jamie Paterson really proving their worth, whilst Adam Chambers and Andy Butler have provided invaluable experienced heads, to help to side claim their best league finish since the 2003/04 season, 9 years ago.
Of course, the main goal now, is to keep this team together for the coming season. Whether this can be done, only time will tell. But Saddlers fans can have faith in Dean Smith to make the right decisions, and further improve this squad. I for one am sure that this club’s 125th anniversary season, will be another season full of edge of your seat action, and plenty of derby days to enjoy, but most importantly, a season where fans can unite, stay-away fans can return, and this club can have another real go at promotion from League 1 and enjoy further successes.
F/T: Crewe Alexandra 2-0 Walsall (Murphy PEN 78’, Aneke 85’)
ATT: 6,547 (1,903 Walsall supporters)
REF: Carl Berry
By: Calum Williams
Of course, this didn’t deter the fans from flaunting their best fancy dress efforts, with a smurf, dinosaur, and a banana all present in the Walsall end! The Walsall side saw Adam Chambers retain his captaincy with the absence of Andy Butler, and Nicky Featherstone given a start in the centre of the field, leaving Sam Mantom on the bench.
The first action of the game saw the Saddlers surge forward, Nicky Featherstone shooting straight at Alex
keeper Ben Garratt. It was quite a slow start to the game, although the travelling Walsall fans were jubilant after a Danny Ings goal had put Burnley into the lead against Wolves at the Molineux, to drop them into deep danger of relegation to League One.
In fact, it took around 20 minutes for the first meaningful shot of the game, which came from Alex number 11 Byron Moore, which flew wide without troubling Sam Johnstone in the Walsall goal. A free kick soon after saw Crewe number 14 Kelvin Mellor head straight at the Walsall keeper on loan from Manchester United.
But the Saddlers fought back, minutes later Will Grigg burst into the box, and after being closed down well by the defence, Jamie Paterson took a curled effort at goal, which flew inches wide of the right hand post. Soon after, Will Grigg again found a way through, he carried on running after being clipped by his marker, and his ball in found Febian Brandy, whose connection was weak, and easily smothered by Garratt.
This was a very open game, in which both sides had their fair share of possession, a dangerous cross into the Walsall penalty area from the wing saw Dean Holden head away for the Saddlers, before lively Alex youngster Max Clayton fashioned a chance at goal, shooting on the turn, but too high to trouble Johnstone.
That was that for the first half, a decent showing from both sides, but the game certainly needed something to spark the players into life. Despite the lack of action, there was still a good atmosphere at Gretsy road.
H/T: Crewe Alexandra 0 Walsall 0
The Saddlers looked to come out of the blocks quickly, Febian Brandy creating a chance within the first minute of the second half, but he fired just wide, although the keeper appeared to have it covered. The game continued to be a midfield battle, with Walsall fans still cheering at midlands rivals Wolves’ expense, who had gone 2-0 down and on the verge of a second successive relegation to League 1.
Saddlers striker Febian Brandy looked much improved from his first half display in which he never really got into the game. He was hungry for a goal, and after some brilliant build up play, his effort initially seemed weak, but Crewe Alex keeper Garratt could only watch the ball as it bobbled its way out of his reach, only to come back off the upright to deny Walsall of the lead.
As the scenes on the pitch livened up, so did the Walsall fans, with a fantastic gambling fancy dress parade making its way across the away end, amongst a superb atmosphere in the Whitby Morrison Ice Cream Van Stand! James Baxendale became the next player to try his luck from inside the penalty area, forcing a save out of the keeper, leading to another chance for Nicky Featherstone, but he was closed down well by the defence.
The Saddlers continued to pile on the pressure, Febian Brandy wriggling his way through the defence to play a ball into the area, and when his pass only found a Crewe defender, the clearance fell to young left back Mal Benning for the Saddlers, whose shot certainly packed a punch, but was blocked for a corner following more sturdy defensive play from the home side.
Benning was the man to whip in the corner, which appeared to have been dealt with by the Alex defence, but the ball wasn’t cleared. None of the Saddlers players could poke it goal wards, Dean Holden coming closest but was again closed down well by the defence, Chambers shooting high and wide relieved the pressure.
Before this corner, Craig Westcarr had been brought on as a substitute for striker Febian Brandy, the man who received, and has often received this season, a healthy round of applause and standing ovation for his efforts from the Saddlers faithful. Many will be wondering whether he, and Northern Ireland target man Will Grigg will remain in the Walsall squad next season, with 27 goals between them throughout the 2012/13 campaign, Saddlers fans will certainly be hoping so!
The battle for a goal continued, but both sides defences were holding strong, good work from Jamie Paterson allowed Craig Westcarr a run through on goal, but the Crewe defence were on hand to clear, whilst at the other end, a burst into the danger zone from on loan Newcastle United midfielder Bradden Inman required Saddlers right back James Chambers to be alert, and clear the threat.
However, on the 84th minute, the game took a turn for the worse for the Saddlers, in controversial fashion. When Alex attacker Byron Moore found himself in space, Saddlers keeper Johnstone came out to close the angle. But when he challenged for the ball, despite appearing to get a hand to it, and the referee allowing play to continue, the linesman on the far side seemed adamant it was a penalty, and so the referee blew his whistle and pointed to the spot.
To further Johnstone’s frustrations, the power penalty was converted by Luke Murphy, despite the keeper guessing the right way, and he was subsequently booked for kicking the ball away in vexation.
GOAL: Crewe Alexandra 1 (Murphy PEN 78’) Walsall 0
The Saddlers looked for an immediate response, Ashley Hemmings coming on for the Saddlers to give the side a burst of energy. And his arrival did seem to perk the players up, his well worked run down the wing led to a Jamie Paterson strike straight at the keeper.
The Saddlers continued to search for the equaliser, Craig Westcarr felled on the edge of the box, but the referee waved away any the protests and Crewe went on an attack of their own. After George Ray took a free kick, Ryan Colclough picked up the ball on the right and crossed over in search of a man in the box.
When his cross evaded everyone, it came out to the player that scored a late goal at the Banks’s Stadium earlier on in the season to snatch a point for Alex, on loan Arsenal Man Chuks Aneke. And when he was given too much space from the Saddlers defence, the 19 year old striker produced a peach of a goal, curling the ball over everyone, and into the net off the upright. Nothing Sam Johnstone could have done to stop that one, which put the result beyond doubt for Crewe.
GOAL: Crewe Alexandra 2 (Aneke 85’) Walsall 0
There was just time for Craig Westcarr to try his luck for a final time, but his angled ball in didn’t trouble Garrett in the Crewe goal, and the referee ended the final game of the season for the two sides. Man of the match was given to Crewe number 27, Ryan Colclough.
Had this game come at any other time in the season, we’d probably be left rueing our missed chances, and fuming over more questionable decisions from the match officials. But despite what was overall a below par performance from the side, the travelling Walsall fans were more than happy with their sides efforts this season, finishing 6 wins better off than the previous campaign, and 20 points better off than the 2010/11 season.
The real good news from Saddlers fan’s point of view, was the inevitability of two more derby days next season, against Wolves, who lost 2-1 at home to Burnley, severely denting their hopes of staying in the Championship for next season. Some of the fans couldn’t contain their excitement at the end of the game, running onto the pitch to express their appreciation, a shame for those that wanted to cheer the players off for a final time.
But Saddlers fans have every right to be over the moon with the way the past 7 months have panned out. It’s been an exhilarating season, starting with a rocky patch, but redeemed with a revival after the turn of the New Year, and a wake up call following a 5-1 defeat at the Ricoh arena at the hands of Coventry City.
Ever since then, the Saddlers players have excelled, and can be very proud of their efforts this season, despite finishing 9th in the league after many had dreamt of the play-offs and Wembley beyond. But Walsall’s young side has proved it has a lot of talent, with players like Will Grigg, Febian Brandy and Jamie Paterson really proving their worth, whilst Adam Chambers and Andy Butler have provided invaluable experienced heads, to help to side claim their best league finish since the 2003/04 season, 9 years ago.
Of course, the main goal now, is to keep this team together for the coming season. Whether this can be done, only time will tell. But Saddlers fans can have faith in Dean Smith to make the right decisions, and further improve this squad. I for one am sure that this club’s 125th anniversary season, will be another season full of edge of your seat action, and plenty of derby days to enjoy, but most importantly, a season where fans can unite, stay-away fans can return, and this club can have another real go at promotion from League 1 and enjoy further successes.
F/T: Crewe Alexandra 2-0 Walsall (Murphy PEN 78’, Aneke 85’)
ATT: 6,547 (1,903 Walsall supporters)
REF: Carl Berry
By: Calum Williams