Following Saturday afternoon's draw with npower League One play-off rivals Sheffield United, Bescot Banter columnist Calum Williams shares his Match Report;
A pleasant day at the Banks’s stadium, saw a Walsall FC side celebrating its 125th anniversary, take on high flying Sheffield United. With both sides fighting for the points, the match was set up to be an exciting prospect, in front of a crowd of over 7,000 for the second time this week, after in excess of 7,500 watched Walsall’s 4-0 drubbing of Coventry City, on Bank Holiday Monday.
Unsurprisingly, the Saddlers made only one change to the side that played 5 days ago, with Ben Purkiss replacing James Chambers at right back. United made a double change to the side that played out a 0-0 stale mate against Carlisle United, bringing in experienced defender Danny Higginbotham, and 23 year old striker Jamie Murphy following the recall of Dominic Poleon, who had been on loan at the club from Leeds United.
It was a very even start to the game, with the Saddlers starting brightly, Jamie Paterson with the first meaningful shot on goal from the edge of the area, but it was always rising.Febian Brandy then weaved his way into the penalty area, but United defended well to prevent an onrushing James Baxendale from finding a way through.
It was then the Blades who went on the attack, Andy Taylor doing well initially to stop forward Jamie Murphy in his tracks, and a free kick on the edge of the area soon after, was well defended by Saddlers full back Paul Downing.
It was undoubtedly the Saddlers who dominated the first 45 minutes, but were often limited to long range efforts, against a sturdy United defence. Sam Mantom with a shot on the edge of the 18 yard box closed down well, and Adam Chambers shortly after trying his luck from a similar distance fired wide.
The game was full of chances, a dubious free kick for the Blades was headed over after the half hour mark, with keeper Sam Johnstone looking comfortable between the sticks. But the Saddlers piled on the pressure, a Jamie Paterson strike cleared for a corner, led to another Sam Mantom effort flying wide of the right hand post.
Soon after, the sturdy United defence was beginning to waver. James Baxendale cut inside from the left wing to send a curling effort just clear of George Long’s left hand post.
But the most significant breakthrough came with around 5 minutes left of the first half. When Febian Brandy skipped his way into the United penalty area, the defence were frightened to put a foot in, and after some brilliant ball control to find himself one on one with keeper Long, he couldn’t keep his composure, and fired inches wide of the right hand post.
But finally, with only a minute left of normal time in the first half, the Saddlers received their just deserts following some more wonderful play. James Baxendale was able to work his way down the wing after the United defenders appeared to have given up the chase. And when his cross found Craig Westcarr, he worked the ball past his marker, and slotted home superbly.
GOAL Walsall 1 (Westcarr 44') Sheffield United 0
And that was that for the first half. A much needed goal before the break, which moved the Saddlers up to 7th position at the interval, with Tranmere being held to a 0-0 draw at first placed Doncaster Rovers.
H/T: Walsall 1 Sheffield United 0
The Blades were out of the blocks quickly in the second half, unlike the referee and his linesmen, who had made a late appearance, delaying the second half kick off! United number 11 Kevin McDonald fired wide after just 30 seconds, but the Saddlers were equal to the threat.
Another chance fell to Walsall’s Febian Brandy soon after, after Baxendale slipped the ball through, his left footed effort trickled just wide of George Long’s left hand post. Brandy continued to run rings around the Blades, some sublime skill in the centre of the park allowed the Saddlers to advance once again, but Andy Taylor was the next player to fire high and wide.
The Saddlers continued to dominate the midfield, more impressive one touch football allowed Jamie Paterson to play a cutting ball through to Febian Brandy, but he again shot narrowly wide on the break.
Walsall fans were agitated and knew a second goal was needed to put them in the driving seat against a stubborn Sheffield United side, who began to find a way back into the game. Defender Matt Hill struck the ball sweetly just outside the area, but missed to the right of the goal, with Sam Johnstone at full stretch.
Around the 60 minute mark, after Mal Benning had come on for an injured Andy Taylor, Craig Westcarr fed the ball to Brandy, but this time it was his control that let him down, taking one touch too many, and allowing keeper Long to block.
Two minutes later, it was the Blades’ turn to try their luck at goal. A free kick right on the edge of the penalty area was well blocked by the wall. But when the ball came back out to the United players, the Saddlers defence was undone. McDonald’s shot came back off the post, but striker Chris Porter was on hand to convert from close range, his first goal since returning from loan at Shrewsbury Town.
GOAL: Walsall 1 Sheffield United 1 (Porter 65’)
Walsall really needed the points, and didn’t lose faith, Adam Chambers combining well with Craig Westcarr to allow Brandy yet another shot. This time he hit it with more conviction, but Long in the United goal pulled off a good save, parrying the ball to safety.
The Blades also needed all three points to cement their position in the play-offs, and pushed for a winner with little more than 20 minutes left on the clock. A curled effort from on loan striker Jonathan Forte went just wide.
The defence allowed United too much space in the final third, substitute Callum McFadzean able to win a corner, before a ferocious strike by Michael Doyle dipped just under the crossbar.
Blades boss Danny Wilson’s substitutions had proved the undoing of Walsall’s young side, who continued to flood forwards, but were continuously met by firm resistance by the United defence. Jamie Paterson’s corner eventually fell to Craig Westcarr who could only produce a tame effort straight at Long with time running out.
Ashley Hemmings and Romaine Sawyers came on in the hope of a smash and grab late on, but it would be United’s Jamie Murphy who would have the final say, breaking through the defence, and forcing a smart save from keeper Sam Johnstone.
F/T: Walsall 1 (Westcarr 44') Sheffield United 1 (Porter 65')
ATT: 7,042
MOTM: Andy Butler
REF: Dean Whitestone
Another thoroughly enjoyable game at the Bescot, watched by another bumper Walsall crowd, is evidence that this club is on the rise, and is even encouraging the minority of ‘stay away fans’ who had become tired of the poor performances of the past few seasons, to return and show their support. The mere fact that this club isn't in a relegation scrap is an achievement. But for the club to be in 8th place, still in contention for a play-off spot, and producing arguably some of the most entertaining football at this level, it’s just brilliant to watch.
This game may not have been the ideal way to celebrate Walsall FC’s 125th year in existence, but it was an exhilarating game nonetheless, which could so easily have gone our way, had Febian Brandy had more luck in front of goal. Overall, another point gained, and signs of another big step in the right direction for the club, both on and off the pitch.
By: Calum Williams
A pleasant day at the Banks’s stadium, saw a Walsall FC side celebrating its 125th anniversary, take on high flying Sheffield United. With both sides fighting for the points, the match was set up to be an exciting prospect, in front of a crowd of over 7,000 for the second time this week, after in excess of 7,500 watched Walsall’s 4-0 drubbing of Coventry City, on Bank Holiday Monday.Unsurprisingly, the Saddlers made only one change to the side that played 5 days ago, with Ben Purkiss replacing James Chambers at right back. United made a double change to the side that played out a 0-0 stale mate against Carlisle United, bringing in experienced defender Danny Higginbotham, and 23 year old striker Jamie Murphy following the recall of Dominic Poleon, who had been on loan at the club from Leeds United.
It was a very even start to the game, with the Saddlers starting brightly, Jamie Paterson with the first meaningful shot on goal from the edge of the area, but it was always rising.Febian Brandy then weaved his way into the penalty area, but United defended well to prevent an onrushing James Baxendale from finding a way through.
It was then the Blades who went on the attack, Andy Taylor doing well initially to stop forward Jamie Murphy in his tracks, and a free kick on the edge of the area soon after, was well defended by Saddlers full back Paul Downing.
It was undoubtedly the Saddlers who dominated the first 45 minutes, but were often limited to long range efforts, against a sturdy United defence. Sam Mantom with a shot on the edge of the 18 yard box closed down well, and Adam Chambers shortly after trying his luck from a similar distance fired wide.
The game was full of chances, a dubious free kick for the Blades was headed over after the half hour mark, with keeper Sam Johnstone looking comfortable between the sticks. But the Saddlers piled on the pressure, a Jamie Paterson strike cleared for a corner, led to another Sam Mantom effort flying wide of the right hand post.
Soon after, the sturdy United defence was beginning to waver. James Baxendale cut inside from the left wing to send a curling effort just clear of George Long’s left hand post.
But the most significant breakthrough came with around 5 minutes left of the first half. When Febian Brandy skipped his way into the United penalty area, the defence were frightened to put a foot in, and after some brilliant ball control to find himself one on one with keeper Long, he couldn’t keep his composure, and fired inches wide of the right hand post.
But finally, with only a minute left of normal time in the first half, the Saddlers received their just deserts following some more wonderful play. James Baxendale was able to work his way down the wing after the United defenders appeared to have given up the chase. And when his cross found Craig Westcarr, he worked the ball past his marker, and slotted home superbly.
GOAL Walsall 1 (Westcarr 44') Sheffield United 0
And that was that for the first half. A much needed goal before the break, which moved the Saddlers up to 7th position at the interval, with Tranmere being held to a 0-0 draw at first placed Doncaster Rovers.
H/T: Walsall 1 Sheffield United 0
The Blades were out of the blocks quickly in the second half, unlike the referee and his linesmen, who had made a late appearance, delaying the second half kick off! United number 11 Kevin McDonald fired wide after just 30 seconds, but the Saddlers were equal to the threat.
Another chance fell to Walsall’s Febian Brandy soon after, after Baxendale slipped the ball through, his left footed effort trickled just wide of George Long’s left hand post. Brandy continued to run rings around the Blades, some sublime skill in the centre of the park allowed the Saddlers to advance once again, but Andy Taylor was the next player to fire high and wide.
The Saddlers continued to dominate the midfield, more impressive one touch football allowed Jamie Paterson to play a cutting ball through to Febian Brandy, but he again shot narrowly wide on the break.
Walsall fans were agitated and knew a second goal was needed to put them in the driving seat against a stubborn Sheffield United side, who began to find a way back into the game. Defender Matt Hill struck the ball sweetly just outside the area, but missed to the right of the goal, with Sam Johnstone at full stretch.
Around the 60 minute mark, after Mal Benning had come on for an injured Andy Taylor, Craig Westcarr fed the ball to Brandy, but this time it was his control that let him down, taking one touch too many, and allowing keeper Long to block.
Two minutes later, it was the Blades’ turn to try their luck at goal. A free kick right on the edge of the penalty area was well blocked by the wall. But when the ball came back out to the United players, the Saddlers defence was undone. McDonald’s shot came back off the post, but striker Chris Porter was on hand to convert from close range, his first goal since returning from loan at Shrewsbury Town.
GOAL: Walsall 1 Sheffield United 1 (Porter 65’)
Walsall really needed the points, and didn’t lose faith, Adam Chambers combining well with Craig Westcarr to allow Brandy yet another shot. This time he hit it with more conviction, but Long in the United goal pulled off a good save, parrying the ball to safety.
The Blades also needed all three points to cement their position in the play-offs, and pushed for a winner with little more than 20 minutes left on the clock. A curled effort from on loan striker Jonathan Forte went just wide.
The defence allowed United too much space in the final third, substitute Callum McFadzean able to win a corner, before a ferocious strike by Michael Doyle dipped just under the crossbar.
Blades boss Danny Wilson’s substitutions had proved the undoing of Walsall’s young side, who continued to flood forwards, but were continuously met by firm resistance by the United defence. Jamie Paterson’s corner eventually fell to Craig Westcarr who could only produce a tame effort straight at Long with time running out.
Ashley Hemmings and Romaine Sawyers came on in the hope of a smash and grab late on, but it would be United’s Jamie Murphy who would have the final say, breaking through the defence, and forcing a smart save from keeper Sam Johnstone.
F/T: Walsall 1 (Westcarr 44') Sheffield United 1 (Porter 65')
ATT: 7,042
MOTM: Andy Butler
REF: Dean Whitestone
Another thoroughly enjoyable game at the Bescot, watched by another bumper Walsall crowd, is evidence that this club is on the rise, and is even encouraging the minority of ‘stay away fans’ who had become tired of the poor performances of the past few seasons, to return and show their support. The mere fact that this club isn't in a relegation scrap is an achievement. But for the club to be in 8th place, still in contention for a play-off spot, and producing arguably some of the most entertaining football at this level, it’s just brilliant to watch.
This game may not have been the ideal way to celebrate Walsall FC’s 125th year in existence, but it was an exhilarating game nonetheless, which could so easily have gone our way, had Febian Brandy had more luck in front of goal. Overall, another point gained, and signs of another big step in the right direction for the club, both on and off the pitch.
By: Calum Williams