Saddlers denied by late Carlisle show

WALSALL 2-2 CARLISLE (L1)

Despite a superb performance from Darren Byfield, the plucky Saddlers failed to deliver a much needed and deserved home win over a solid Carlisle outfit.

Both sides showed signs of breaking the deadlock, but it was Byfield’s cool run and finish on 33 minutes after a excellent pass from Matty Richards.

The lead only lasted 11 minutes when winger Robson equalised with a stunning left-footed strike that whizzed past Rene Gilmartin’s desparing arms.

After the break, the Saddlers were on the backfoot, but it was Stevie Jones that put Walsall 2-1 up on 74 minutes, after clever teamwork between Vincent and Richards on the left-hand side played Troy Deeney in, whose resulting shot rebounded off the post and into the path of Jones, who could not miss.

Just when you could smell that three points in the air, Richard Keogh sunk the hearts of Saddlers fans everywhere with a powerful header on the 90 minute mark to secure a pint all round for both teams.

Next up is a tricky trip down to Stadium:MK to face MK Dons, a place in which we took all three points after ex-Saddler Jabo Ibehre’s stunning strike to give us a 1-0 win.

However, Ibehre is now with MK Dons and things will not be so easy come 3pm Saturday.