The Saddlers hit rock bottom again last night after a 3-0 defeat and matching abject performance against Notts County.
The team saw Aaron Lescott coming into midfield for the injured Richard Taundry, allowing Ryan McGivern to slot back into the defence. Will Grigg and Alex Nicholls retained their places up front with Reid and Macken on the bench.
Walsall were poor from start to finish with spiritless play with sloppy and careless passes. The Magpies preyed early on when Oliver Lancashire allowed Craig Westcarr to get into dangerous position and fire past Jonny Brain. 0-1.
The team looked as though they had one too many New Year drinks as they failed to find any real flow to their play and were constantly on the back foot to the offensive Notts County.
Westcarr was on hand 7 minutes after their opener for Lee Miller to compile the Saddler misery. Jonny Brain palmed the ball away from danger but Miller was on hand to put the ball away. 0-2
Saddler boos began to echo around the Banks’s and the game was only in its early stages.
Steve Jones came close around the half hour mark when he picked the ball up on the right wing with one of the best (and few) Saddler chances of the game. The ball went agonisingly wide of the goal in front of the frustrated home fans.
The half time whistle went and more boos were sent around the stadium.
Matthew Richards gave Walsall a glimmer of early hope in the second half when he took a free kick in a decent position, but it went curling over the bar.
Notts County sealed the deal when Notts County won a corner and converted it with ease, Krystian Pearce taking the plaudits. Saddler fans looked on in shock, the worst start to 2011 realised. 0-3
Not much to report as the second half unfolded. Will Grigg and Alex Nicholls were rightly replaced by Reuben Reid and Jon Macken, at least on of whom arguably should have started the match.
Gray exited for youngster Jamie Paterson shortly after.
As the game drew to a close, Jon Macken tested keeper Mike Edwards after good work by Richards and Butler, an attempt on goal at least!
Chants for Hutchings head were heard during the game and carried on outside the stadium after the final whistle.
A game to forget as Walsall continue to struggle. They are now back to being bottom and, on performances like that, Walsall supporters have every right to feel as they do. As the presenters on Sky Sports News so usefully pointed out ‘Walsall are now the lowest scoring team in the league.’
The Saddlers travel to Peterborough tomorrow, lets hope they have learnt a few lessons from yesterday.
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