Saddlers 4 Terriers 3

Awesome
By Mister Happy
January 29 2005

Matty Fryatt notched a hat trick to lead Saddlers to a thrilling victory. At 3-1 down all seemed lost but Merson and his team responded in awesome fashion to come back from the edge of self destruction. This was thrill a minute stuff.

From ridiculous to sublime; shocking defending to brilliant finishing; despair to ecstasy; this game had it all in what was the most thrilling match seen at Bescot for a long, long time.

Merson made two changes to the side that was crushed at Colchester. Recalled Kris Taylor supported Kinsella and Wrack in midfield whilst Fryatt was given a first team place along side Leitao.

Walsall started brightly enough and the midfield trio seemed keen to take control of the game. As early as the third minute Merson drilled the ball across the 6 yard box but Saddlers just failed to convert. Wrack then collected the loose ball and drilled it back across the box which the keeper spilled and Town eventually cleared.

Somehow, Saddlers suddenly found themselves a goal behind. Bennett made a tremendous tackle to gain control of the ball. However, instead of giving it the big hoof he inexplicably decided to chip it to Booth who planted it into the back of the net.

The Saddlers fans responded with support for Merson and the home team. However, minutes later another piece of shocking defending handed the Terriers a two goal cushion. Bandana Man took a long throw into the Saddlers penalty area creating much confusion. Whilst Aranalde, Bennett and Emblen were discussing knitting patterns Beckett poked it into the net.

At this point Walsall were looking desperate. The midfield were working hard and trying to create an opening but the defence, well, they were simply dreadful. The forward trio of Abbott, Booth and Beckett gave Bennett and Emblen a torrid time.

Indeed Huddersfield should have been four up without reply but Saddlers were saved on two occasions by Ms Rayner’s (a nice bit of eye candy by the way)chequered flag signalling offside.

At two nil down Saddlers fans could have been forgiven for feeling dejected and bewildered. However, support for Merson and the team simply increased further. Urged on by the crowd Saddlers began to find some rhythm. Leitao had a good effort smartly saved by Rachubka in the visitor’s goal and Bennett nearly made amends for his earlier gaffe but headed just over.

With only 16 minutes on the clock a ball was played across the pitch to Merson who lashed home off the foot of the post from 25 yards. Game on.

Kinsella was battling in the centre of the pitch and Taylor was simply awesome. Whilst Saddlers went in search of an equaliser Huddersfield increased their lead further on the half hour courtesy of yet more diabolical defending. A corner was floated over, Emblen was beaten easily in the air and Beckett, in acres of space was given the simplest of tasks to nod the ball over the line to restore the visitors’ two goal cushion.

At this point I was convinced we had Noddy in goal with all his hopeless friends wandering around aimlessly in front of him. All of the team’s efforts were being undone by shambolic defending.

At 3-1 down the team showed real character and continued to take the game to Town. Literally with the last kick of the half the ball found its way to Fryatt who launched a goal of the season contender past Rachubka. 3-2 Fantastic.

The second half began with Saddlers still buzzing and within 5 minutes had earned themselves a penalty. Merson floated the ball into the penalty area and Bandana Man used his elbow to clear. Fryatt then stepped up and converted precisely to bring the teams all square.

Credit must be given to both teams as they battled and fought out a spectacular second half trying to get a victory. As the game opened up Walsall began to dominate. Kinsella and Taylor began to boss the midfield and Wrighty was causing havoc down the flanks. Chance after chance came and went. Bennett headed at the keeper and Emblen headed just wide as Saddlers supplied numerous crosses into the box. Another corner was headed goalwards by Bennett only to be cleared off the line by Fowler. For each and every Saddlers attack there was an equal and opposite Town attack. At one point Murphy pulled off a triple save (well, he just stood there whilst the Huddersfield players whacked the ball at him, good job he’s carrying a few extra pounds?) to keep the teams on level terms.

By now it was end to end stuff. After another Town attack broke down Wracky collected the ball and burst down the left hand side. He switched the play to Merson who spotted Fryatt lurking. With Fryatt screaming for the ball Merson produced a pass of immense quality. Fryatt timed his run to perfection and lashed the ball home to secure his hat trick giving the keeper no chance. Cue pandemonium.

With the Saddlers now 4-3 up the game still ebbed and flowed with both sides creating and missing. A wicked tackle by Bandana Man on Leitao brought out a bout of Georgie Rafters with Kinsella (at last, some heart) and earned the tough defender a yellow card.

As Huddersfield pressed, one of their forwards went hurtling through the air in the penalty area helped along by Emblen’s push. This time the Refereeing Gods were on our side as the official waved play on.

With minutes remaining Walsall ran down the clock in the corners of the pitch to secure a thrilling victory. Phew!

Man of the match could be given to a number of players. However, TSFC MOM award goes to re-called Kris Taylor. His effort, determination and all round play was awesome.

Bring on Wrexham.