If there was a time when we finally convinced ourselves that something special was happening at WS1, then this was it. We have spent far too long just accepting defeat and mediocrity, so to see this youthful side play with freedom, confidence and quality, it would be foolish not to admit that we can achieve something special.
Dean Smith’s men have now won 8 of the last 10 games and despite us topping the form table we still find ourselves 4 points off the top 6, with having played 2 games more. If we can continue this form for the remainder of the season then who knows what could be achieved…..
Doncaster are probably the best side in this division and will be in the top 2 come May. However yesterday they found themselves being taught a footballing lesson by a resurgent Walsall side.
If our new found confidence needed any lifting then our start against Doncaster couldnt have harmed our cause.
We found ourselves in the lead after just 70 seconds yesterday. Febian Brandy was brought down around 25 yards out from goal and the resulting free kick was dangerously swung in from Andy Taylor right onto the head of skipper Andy Butler to send the 405 travelling Saddlers into early celebrations.
As you would imagine, after taking the lead we found ourselves on the back foot with constant Doncaster pressure and just 15 minutes after taking the lead, Doncaster equalised.
A Tommy Spurr cross was nodded down by Doncaster player/coach Rob Jones stright into the path of Billy Paynter, who despatched the ball with ease past a helpless Ian McLoughlin.
The cynic in myself and many Saddlers would expect an onslaught from the hosts and feel that we may have scored far too early, however we came out second half with more guile and purpose and coud have quite easily scored 2 or 3 more.
League 1 player of the season candidate – Dave Cotterill smashed a 30 yarder off our crossbar but this was the closest Doncaster came in the second half.
Our unbelievable form continued when on 81 minutes, Febian Brandy tricked past two defenders and fired the ball past Woods at the near post.
The main observations with this team is that we never stop running and create numerous chances. Most managers in this league would be envious of some of the players at Dean Smith’s disposal.
With a proven Number 2 that wants to stay with Walsall, a little luck with injuries and a few results to go in our favour, we may have a good chance at gatecrashing those play-offs…
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