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Into the unknown -Stanley

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Famous in the past, then famous for that Ian Rush Milk advert, the saddlers are finally going to Accrington Stanley. A fixture many saddlers looked for when the fixture list came out as for many it will be a new list to cross off the list. However it will be no milk run this time around, Stanley have hit a good run of form and are unbeaten in eight, and have dumped Nottingham Forest out of the cup at home and on tuesday a much changed Accrington team beat league one Carlisle on penalties. They recent drew at home with Swindon so they will be full of confidence of getting three points against the saddlers. The only down side in Accringtons build up is the lose of top scorer Roberts to Ipswich, but they hope to bring in a new face in time for saturdays game.

Saddlers on tour

With our highest away following this sesaon been for the midweek game at local rivals Shrewsbury (1865 saddlers)another large following is expected. The away end holds 600 (uncovered) so Accrington who need the money have given the saddlers one side of the ground (covered)also to raise the capacity to 2000. Talk on many sites is of a large following due to the novelty of a new ground and our top of the league status….1500 is possible, 2000 would give us almost as many as them. Especially since only 850 turned up for the Trophy game on tuesday
For the record £13 adults £8 OAPS, and juniors (under 17)

Accrington Stanley Team News:

Not much has come out of sources in Accrington about who is likely to join before the game on saturday. Accrington rested some key players on tuesday. But striker Boco picked up a slight knock and was taken off as a precaution. If fit he is likely to come in for the departed leading scorer Roberts (8 goals this season). The team has been fairly settled. I would expect.
Dunbavin,Cavangh,Williams,Welch, Richardson, Todd, Craney, Proctor, Docherty, Boco, Mullin.

Player to watch: Ian Dunbavin

Real name Ian Dunbavin
Height 6.01
Weight 13.00
Date of birth 27-05-1980
Place of birth Knowsley
Position Goalkeeper
Nationality England
Has been in outstanding form this season and has a reputation as a well respected goalkeeper in the non league scene.
He started out as a trainee at Liverpool before moving to make 94 league starts for Shrewsbury, he moved on to Halifax also having games on loan at Morecombe and Scarborough. Finally becomming part of the Accrington Stanley story 26-7-2006. This season he has kept 3 clean sheets and also three yellow cards..suprising for a keeper.

Walsall Team News:

Clayton Ince is a concern, if Bossu is recovered Dickie maybe tempted to protect Ince’s thigh injury. Westwood is still troubled by his calf strain so Pead should continue at Fulback. Dann, Roper and Gerrard will fight it out for the two centre half spots. Keates and Dobson will be reunited in midfield with Kinsella on the bench, with Wright and Fox wide. Sam and Butler upfront…unless Dickie Tinkers of course.

Player to watch: Scott Dann

The youngster has been outstanding in his start to his saddlers career. He enjoyed the battle with John Hartson preseason, came on as sub and scored goals against Macclesfield and Plymouth, in his first start he scored against Bristol Rovers. In his last two starts he has kept Wycombes Mooney and Swansea’s Trundle in his pocket….can the young centre half keep it up?

Match Facts & Stats


Form (most recent on right)
Accrington Walsall
10 match form LWWdDDWDWD 10 match form LWWLWDWdWD

last 6 results of this fixture
English Division 3 North Accrington Stanley 3-1 Walsall 02-11-1935
English Division 3 North Accrington Stanley 3-3 Walsall 13-04-1935
English Division 3 North Accrington Stanley 1-0 Walsall 31-03-1934
English Division 3 North Accrington Stanley 1-3 Walsall 22-04-1933
English Division 3 North Accrington Stanley 1-0 Walsall 21-11-1931
English Division 3 North Accrington Stanley 3-5 Walsall 05-03-1927
so we have to go back to 1933 for our last win at Accrington. In all games Accrington have won 6 Walsall 10 with 6 draws.
Accringtons last six games
Torquay 0 – 2 Accrington
Accrington 1 – 1 Swindon
Accrington 2 – 1 Wycombe
Bury 2 – 2 Accrington
Mansfield 2 – 2 Accrington
Accrington 2 – 1 Boston


Ref Watch:

Mr S J Tanner, a ref with championship experience. we have meet twice last season our 1-0 win in the trophy over Bournemouth and our 0-2 loss to Colchester. Likes his yellow cards but could be a lot worse.

Match Prediction:

No doubt it will be tough, and what happens to the Accrington forward line in the absences of Roberts maybe key.
If we want to stamp our intention on league two we need to go one beter than Swindon and take all three points. However I feel a draw is more likely.

Next Fixtures:

Another game in our hard looking October fixture list
MK Dons visit the Bescot on Saturday 28th October 3pm kick off.

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