Terriers 3 Saddlers 1

By Not so despondent correspondent
October 3 2004

Despite returning from the impressive Galpharm Stadium with nil points, it was a much improved performance to the dreadful display against Brentford

As many fans were expecting, Saddlers left the impressive Galpharm Stadium (note, they operate pay on the turnstiles and unreserved seating for home fans) with nil points.

Player manager Paul Merson kept with the same starting eleven that defeated Rushden in the LDV midweek match. From the very first whistle you could see how determined the players were to try to win the match. This was in stark contrast to the dreadful home performance against Brentford the previous week.

Saddlers dominated the first 25 minutes with some bright inventive play. Matty Fryatt was looking particularly lively up front with Merson providing the link between the midfield and the forward play.

Unfortunately, having largely dominated Saddlers then threw the match away rather stupidly in a “mad minute”. Firstly, player coach Osborn appeared to lose the plot completely by conceding a series of unnecessary fouls. From the second Free kick Paston blocked the goal bound effort only for the ball to bounce into the path of Abbott who had the easy task of putting the ball into the empty net.

Many fans felt that the blame for the first goal was firmly at Paston’s door. However, after the spectacular electrical storm and downpour minutes before kick off it would be fair to say that goalkeeping conditions were somewhat difficult. Also, the defenders are supposed to be alert to such dangers and were guilty of not tracking their players. I’m afraid this goal was again down to defensive naivety on the players part.

Almost immediately from the restart Saddlers then conceded a killer second. A long hoof upfield over a napping Saddlers defence saw Mendes out muscle a lightweight Wright to leave him one on one with Paston. Mendez came out on top to leave Walsall with a massive mountain to climb.

Even though shaken, the Walsall players did not drop their heads and Fryatt had two chances to half the deficit before the break. Unfortunately, Gray in the Huddersfield goal kept both efforts at bay.

Saddlers went in at the break with a two goal deficit. As opposed to just accepting a defeat fans were still positive that this match could be turned around given the positive attitude shown during the first half.

Saddlers came out for the second half all guns blazing and when the ineffective Kris Taylor was taken off for his namesake Daryl, Saddlers went for the jugular. Wrack moved to the left back slot.

Fryatt had three chances to put Saddlers back in control of the game. These were not half chances, these were very good chances. He created two chances by his own skill and trickery but was thwarted by Town’s goalkeeper. The impressive Wright had a shot deflected for a corner and Merson had an effort tipped over the bar. Although playing well, Mark Wright would be more effective as a wide right winger as opposed to a right back.

However, as Saddlers launched their attacking assault they were caught out on the counter attack.. Yet another hopeful hoof over the top of the defence had Abbott in the clear with Bennett trailing in his slip stream. He had the simple task of rounding Paston and placing another goal into the empty net.

Even though a third had been conceded Walsall continued to attack and eventually pulled one back when Merson put a killer cross into the box for Clarke to spectacularly head into his own net. Game on.

Saddlers continued to attack but unfortunately were not able claw back the advantage handed to Town in the first half’s “mad minute”.

At the final whistle a small minority of fans started to direct their displeasure at player manager Merson whilst others were reasonably happy with the efforts their team had given.

All in all, it was very disappointing to come away from the game with the usual nil points. But, it was a much improved Saddlers performance. On another day, we would have gone on to win the game comfortably had our strikers had their shooting boots with them.

Roll on Saturday. If the players continue with the same determination witnessed in West Yorkshire it should be a much happier camp prior to the forthcoming England match.