Saddlers 2 Colchester 1

By Mister Happy
October 9 2004

Walsall produced a stunning display to outclass Colchester United and put a valuable 3 points into the Bescot account. Quite magnificent.

The Bescot tinkerman jiggled with his balls and came up with a winning formula.

Paul Merson gave an immediate outing to loan signing Murphy between the sticks and recalled Emblen to play along side Bennett in defence with Aranalde and Wright slotting in at full backs. A midfield trio of Kinsella, Osborn and Wrack provided the ammunition for Merson, Leitao and Fryatt.

From the very first whistle Saddlers simply outclassed Colchester and quite how they never went in at the break 5-0 up will remain a modern day mystery. As early as the fifth minute Merson fired a shot across U’s bows with an effort that rattled the crossbar.

Saddlers continued to press with Merson instrumental in everything that Saddlers produced and not long after Merson’s effort Fryatt lifted a shot over the keeper which drifted agonisingly the wrong side of the post. Merson then lifted an effort over U’s keeper which again drifted inches wide before he let go with a thunderbolt which yet again bounced off the charmed U’s woodwork.

Dean Gerken then produced what can only be described as one of the best saves ever seen at Bescot as he somehow denied Merson from 6 yards out and tipped his effort wide of the post.

Still Saddlers pressed for the breakthrough and forced 5 consecutive corners which were somehow scrambled clear.

Walsall were simply magnificent during the first period. Kinsella produced a performance that everyone has been calling for, Wrack was a terrier in the middle of the park and Wright was having a super game down the flanks supplying the ammunition for the forward players. Fryatt was a continual livewire up front and gave the U’s defence a torrid time.

When Colchester did manage to summon up enough energy to break from their defensive shackles they found the ever impressive Bennett in fine form. Put it in the air, Jules will win it. Put it on the ground, Jules will still win it. He is arguably the best central defender I have seen play for the club and yet this is his first full season as a pro. He will develop into a top class player, I have no doubt.

During the half time break the poorly advised Tony “is it a chicken Tone!” Butler was given a “warm” Bescot reception usually reserved for Martin Butler (although he is now a hero after the final game of last season). One Bescot wag was heard to sing “you can stick your egg cup up your ………”. Excellent half time entertainment.

Saddlers took a little while to get into full swing after the break but there was still only one team in it. That is until Osborn had a “senior” moment and inexplicably toe poked a ball across the centre of the pitch to a stunned U’s player. As if in slow motion Colchester then worked the ball into the back of the net. Unbelievable.

However, straight from the re-start Gerken yet again denied Merson as he turned his 18 yard effort over the bar. However, from the resultant corner Saddlers drew level as Bennett stooped to power a header past the previously unbeatable U’s keeper.

Saddlers were yet again in the ascendancy as Wright supplied cross after cross that Colchester scrambled away.

At the other end of the pitch Murphy went down in the box for a second time with a leg injury. Although he tried to run it off he was eventually replaced by Paston. Murphy looked very assured although he had little to do. The bits and pieces he mopped up he did very well and seemed a calming influence on a previously jittery defence.

As if to prove the point, a sloppy backpass caught Paston flapping and Colchester nearly scrambled a second. Fortunately, the impressive Aranalde was on hand to clear.

Another delicate cross from Merson found Osborn who headed goalbound only for the mightily impressive Gerken to tip around the post yet again.

It seemed as though no matter how many chances Saddlers accrued the damn ball just didn’t want to nestle in the onion bag. However, another Merson corner was lifted into the penalty area and almost apologetically the ball rolled off Emblen’s neck and over the goal line. Cue bedlam.

Walsall were now completely rampant and Jorge beat 4 defenders before his shot was deflected against the woodwork. With 5 minutes remaining the experienced Kinsella and Wrack and Merson retained possession to deny U’s any chance of a comeback.

Without doubt, this was the best team performance seen down Bescot way for a long, long time. Should we now continue in this manner it won’t be long before we are challenging for a top 6 spot. Great stuff.

Overall, a fantastic performance from all concerned. Wright continued to impress along with Bennett. Kinsella at last showed what he can do and Aranalde had a blinder. However, man of the match without doubt was our under fire gaffer. Step forward Mr Merson. Simply magnificent.