1 Point closer to the 50

By TSFC.com
November 9 2003

Darren Wrack was on the mark yet again as the Saddlers picked up another point on the road.

Wrack on the mark for steady Saddlers ... Bradford City 1-1 Walsall  Date - 8/11/03 Location - Valley Parade, Bradford Attendance - tbc . Bradford Walsall Combe Walker Bower Hay Gavin Ritchie Heckinbottom Vincent Summerbee Lawrence McHugh Corica Windass Wrack Kearney Merson Muirhead Samways Gray Baird Branch Birch Subs Subs Cadamarteri Allaway Francis Aranalde Edds Emblen Forrest Bazeley Jacobs Leitao

Date: 4/11/03 Reporter: 4two OnLine: 00:00 Walsall left Valley parade with a point having fought back from going a goal behind in the early stages. Although disappointing that Walsall never managed to beat a poor Bradford side a share of the spoils was what both teams deserved. Walsall started off extremely sluggishly and went behind after 3 minutes with the Bantams first attack. Muirhead crossed from the left flank to a totally unmarked Windass who in turn headed into the path of a totally unmarked Branch who tapped into the net. Walsall were playing pretty sideways football but getting nowhere with the final delivery always missing or going astray. Bradford were content to let Walsall pass it around and always counter attacked down the left flank with 2 players continually tormenting man of the match Baird. The question that must be asked is what on earth was Lawrence supposed to be doing? If his mandate was to roam around the pitch aimlessly, cause little threat to Bradford and to totally unbalance a Saddlers side then he had an excellent game. If he was supposed to offer support on the right flank to Baird then he failed miserably. It remains a mystery as to how he stayed on the pitch for the full 90 minutes. Twenty minutes into the match Walsall started to take control. Corica’s range of passing was exquisite as he prompted attack after attack. Merson was unlucky when a delicate chip sailed past the post and shortly after Wrack curled a shot inches over the bar. Saddlers were now in top gear. Another sublime pass, this time by Merson, opened up the Bantams defence and Birch hit a belter which Combe somehow managed to tip away for a corner. It was surely only a matter of time before Walsall scored. As the half hour mark was reached a slide rule through ball from Birch found Baird who curled a beauty which smacked against the post. Fortunately, the goal machine Wrack was on hand to poke in to bring the Saddlers level. Immediately after the goal Aranalde came on to replace the injured Vincent. Still Walsall pressed and 5 minutes before half time Merson fizzed a volley inches wide. Shortly afterwards another excellent ball from Corica found Merson who found his way to the by-line and put the ball across the face of the goal only for a defender to scramble clear. As the half time whistle approached Walsall were well in control (even with 9 outfield men as I discount Lawrence’s showing as that befitting a footballer). The second half was pretty uneventful as Walsall failed to continue where they left off. This was largely due to Bradford’s hoof it long tactic and desire to fight for every ball giving Walsall little time to play. Whilst most of the play was in the Walsall half Walsall never really looked like conceding as each corner, free kick or cross was mopped up (albeit with a few heart stopping goal mouth scrambles). At the other end Birch broke free from the Bantams defence and scampered towards goal only for a last ditch tackle amidst claims for a penalty denying him. As the final quarter approached Merson crossed delightfully for Birch who controlled the ball superbly on his chest, turned and brought a fantastic save from the home keeper. Fortunately for the travelling fans Walsall survived the final 10 minute onslaught that proved to be the last for Nicky Laws as manager of the Bantams. Overall Walsall were good in parts and had enough chances in the final quarter of the first half to have won comfortably against a poor Bradford side. Man of the match Chris Baird, solid in defence and provided some attacking outlets. Bum of the match Lawrence, absolutely hopeless.

Techno - 2 points lost but a point gained getting us a little closer to 50 points Cannock -disappointed that we didn't take all 3 points against a poor Bradford side i came away grateful for a point Sheffield Saddler - Lawrence needs to sort himself out. Show us what we know he can do. And repay the faith Lee as showed in him