Match Reports

True Grit

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Walsall came out of a chilly encounter with high flying Brighton with a point, which was a testament to their character, determination and mental strength. Though the homeside dominated for long periods, it was the Saddlers who revealed more evidence that they’ll be the more likely side to be pushing for the top six at the end of the season. Like all good figthers despite how much many punches the team took, they survived, hung on and fought back with a sucker punch at the end and on another night would have taken all three points.

After casting out the bad seeds of Butler, Canerio and Sonner, Richard Money has created a team that are willing to fight for each other which is clear to see in Captain Marvel Mooney. In the starting eleven, Paul Hall came in for the injured Michael Dobson but the midfield overall struggled throughout the match. But with Money commenting on a new midfielder on the horizon that problem could soon be solved.

Brighton started strongly and had a number of chances to take the lead. But the Saddlers back four were at their best and were unfortunate to sucumb to their hosts ten minutes before half time. A cross to the back post was met with just enough power by Robinson to beat Ince. Walsall fought back just before half time with two efforts from skipper Money.

Brighton wanting to put the game to bed, strarted the second half just as strong. But once again the defence showed why they’re so highly rated as it looked to be a night for them to prove themselves. The away side grew in confidence, Sonko was replaced by Demontagnac.

The young winger had been quiet that was until twelve minutes from time when he cut back and unleashed a deadly finish from twenty five yards with his left boot. The small Walsall following jumped in delight, though they were nearly a mile back, past the running track, in the pathetic dump that the Albion are calling their temporary home. Brighton who were shocked tried to regain the lead and pushed on but it was the Saddlers who nearly grabbed all three, Demontagnac providing the same trick with the right foot but Kuipers got back and tipped the ball over.

Good sides play bad and take something from a match, which is just what the Saddlers did on a cold night on the coast. If there was one weakness it was the midfield but as previous stated Money seems to have a lined up a solution for that certain problem. With the defence at its best and looking at times unbeatable the Saddlers are looking like an impressive unit, all working hard for each other and win, lose or draw the fans will always back that.

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