Saddlers 3 Seasiders 2

By Mister Happy
December 19 2004

Saddlers came from a goal behind to stretch their unbeaten run. Given Walsall's lack of penetration in the striking department recently Robinson is fast becoming a Bescot hero with 3 goals in 2 games.

A vibrant Saddlers side stretched their unbeaten run to five games today taking all 3 points off a hard working Seasiders outfit.

In defence Bennett partnered Emblen, the midfield trio of Kinsella, Wrack and Standing provided a platform for the gaffer to shine behind Leitao and the impressive Robinson.

Unexpectedly, Walsall came out of the starting blocks all guns blazing and almost took the lead within the first few minutes. A deep cross was delivered perfectly and only a fantastic save from Jones in the visitors goal denied Robinson a goal on his home debut.

Walsall battled hard in the centre of the pitch but Blackpool looked more threatening attacking the flanks. Mark Wright had a fantastic game pulling off several crucial tackles whilst his Spanish colleague on the opposite flank was given a torrid time yet again. Although Blackpool seemed largely in control, they never really looked like scoring. That is, until they did.

Yet again, Kinsella played his part in conceding a goal. A rather pathetic clearance fell for Taylor who planted the ball firmly past Murphy. Yet again, the Saddlers found themselves a goal behind. On reflection, Blackpool possibly deserved the lead based on their attacking intent. They played the ball around nicely at times and put a bit of “meat” into challenges which has been lacking all season from Saddlers midfield.

However, on the stroke of half time Walsall scored an excellent goal. A pin point pass from the lively Merson found new boy Robinson on the edge of the box. The debutant looked up and flighted a pin point cross onto Jorge’s bonce and even he couldn’t fail to nod past the keeper from 2 yards out.

Almost immediately the official blew for half time.

As we all know Walsall are a “second half” team and given that we had put in a reasonable first half performance there was never really any doubt that the Seasiders would be put to the sword during the second forty five.

Paul Merson dominated the second period and proved yet again that he is head and shoulders above anything else that this horrid League has to offer. Time and again he found himself in acres of space to prod and probe and ultimately lead Saddlers to victory. His ability to find himself unmarked proves that his football brain is still active and it would seem that his desire to succeed as a manager is resulting in him chasing back and shock of all shocks, actually making tackles.

Still the entertainer Merson decided to do his “corner routine” whereby he places the ball at least 10 yards from the corner flag before taking the kick. Normal, intelligent visiting fans generally go “ape” and scream foul play to the ref.. Rather strangely, the backward folk from by the sea didn’t appear bothered so Merson duly carried on and flighted the kick over. If only we had scored!

Midway through the second half we did indeed take the lead. A corner from Merse, from the correct position I might add, was met firmly at the back post by good old Emblen and poked over the line by the excellent Robinson.

Any thoughts of an easy victory were dispelled almost immediately. The ref decided to award a dubious free kick to ‘Pool on the edge of the penalty area accusing Aranalde of committing a foul. Given that Zigor never made a tackle all match I found this decision rather confusing.

Parker, Blackpool’s best player by far, then fired in a beauty which left Murphy treading treacle. As the free kick was bang in the centre of the goal Murphy seemed unsure of which way Parker was going to put it. Undecided, he just stood there and watched it fly into the left hand corner. A bit cruel on Murphy maybe as it was an excellent strike but some attempt to stop it would have been appreciated.

By this stage, Blackpool decided we were there for the taking. Osborn replaced the ineffective Kinsella and Broad came on for Standing who had moments of brilliance mixed in with moments of madness.

With 20 minutes to go Walsall took the lead for a second time courtesy of Merson yet again. The ref decided to look after “Our Merse” and any tackle or attempted tackle on him resulted in a Saddlers free kick. One such kick from the edge of the box was delivered perfectly by Merson into the mixer and Robinson climbed highest to plant it firmly into the back of the net.

Having taken the lead for a second time Saddlers could be forgiven for attempting to shut up shop. Sadly this wasn’t the case as Osborn continually fed the Blackpool midfield and Zigor invited attacks down his left flank.

Almost in desperation Parker soiled an otherwise excellent performance by hurling himself over Zigors invitingly outstretched leg in the penalty area. Fortunately the ref made the correct call.

Saddlers hung on then to collect all three points.

Man of the match was the excellent Emblen who stopped everything ‘Pool threw at us. It was a close call as Merson, Robinson and Wright also played their part in this entertaining game.