The second must win game of the week, was settled with a Flo Cuvelier strike in the first half to give Walsall back to back league wins since August 2010.
The game at Glanford park began with a steady battle for supremacy, both defences dealing well with what little threat came their way.
Both teams having efforts fly pretty harmlessly off target and a couple of easy saves for either ‘keeper.
Kevan Hurst picked up a booking for a foul on Christian Ribeiro, and just after the half hour mark the deadlock was broken.
A clearance by Scunthorpe keeper Sam Slocombe was botched, and Flo Cuvelier strode into the box and fired low into the bottom corner.
Scunthorpe began to take control with various efforts towards goal, and keeping our defence and Grof on their toes.
Jon Parkin and Andy Butler both went into the referee’s book for a bit of a scuffle on half time.
The second half began with Scunthorpe going heavily for an equaliser, with both Mark Duffy and Jon Parkin testing David Grof.
Macken came on for Nicholls in the 60th minute and once again his experience shone through with him combining well with Hurst and seeing keeper Slocombe tested more than once in the next ten minutes as Walsall fought back.
The game almost turned into a backs to the walls job as Scunthorpe hunted for an equaliser.
Will Grigg was replaced by Lee Beevers in a bid to sure up the defence, and the impressive Cuvelier replaced by Antonio Peterlin.
Walsall held on until the end with a combination of gritty defending and David Grof showing why he is worthy of keeping his first team place.
An excellent three points, only our second away win this season, sees The Saddlers jump above Scunthorpe and more importantly out of the relegation zone.
Full time: Scunthorpe United 0
Walsall 1
Cuvelier 34′
Attendance: 3,455 (120 Walsall fans)
Vital Walsall on:
Join Vital Walsall
It’s easy to REGISTER HERE, simply click the link and enjoy getting involved!
Vital Walsall on:
