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A Steel Band, former players, Peter Waterman and thousands of red balloons helped created a unique atmosphere inside an expectant Besco.. We just needed things to click on the field.
 Merse made some changes to the line up. Ritchie moved to left back leaving Emblen to play along side Roper in a back four which was completed with Darren Bazeley on the right. We played a narrow midfield consisting of Andrews on the right, Taylor on the left with Osborn playing as the anchor. McSporran and Fryatt were the two strikers, Merson played just behind them.
It was a relatively un-entertaining first half of football, with the fantastic support from the Walsall fans being the only major highlight.
Both sides had a number of good chances to open the scoring. United pumped a number of well hit crosses in to the box looking for big Wayne Allison.
Tonge had a number of long range shots in the first half as United attempted to break the deadlock. Defender Kozluk also went close with a header that tested Jim Walker.
Our first chance of the game came on 20 minutes as McSporran hit a tame right footed shot past the post. Our best chance of the half fell to Darren Bazeley who found himself free to shoot at Kenny – but blasted the ball wide.
The most interesting incident of the first half saw young Matty Fryatt sent flying in to the dug out thanks to an ill timed challenge from Chris Morgan. The challenge earned Morgan a booking.
You couldn’t argue with the 0-0 scoreline at half time. The finishing from both sides had been poor.
Half Time – Saddlers 0-0 Blades
With just two minutes of the second half played United were awarded a penalty. Ian Roper was adjudged to have fouled Lester in what looked like a 50-50 challenge. TV Replays have shown that it was a harsh decision, but Ropes had “got stuck in”. Jack Lester stepped up to convert the spot kick.
From then on in we played well and created a hat full of chances. We deserved at least a point, if not all three. The introduction of Darren Wrack for Kris Taylor gave our midfield a bit more movement and an attacking player who would look to make forward runs and get in behind the United defence. Lee Bradbury was also sent on in place of Jermaine McSporran who had failed to impress on his home League debut.
As the half went on Lee Bradbury headed over the bar, while Fryatt wriggled around Alan Wright cut in to the penalty box and sent in a low cross that caused panic in the United defence.
Fryatt also saw Kenny turn over a close range effort which looked destined for the roof of the net. The introduction of Bradbury gave us a physical presence up front. His powerful running and experience carved open a chance late in the second half, but he sent his shot across the face of the goal.
The final chance of the game fell to Darren Wrack who drilled a 25 yard effort straight in to the arms of Kenny.
Only 2 weeks ago a 1-0 defeat had left fans booing the players as they left the pitch. As the final whistle went against Sheffield United the players were clapped and cheered of the field. This speaks volumes for the work rate, attitude and application of Paul Merson’s Saddlers.
Full Time - Saddlers 0-1 Blades
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