Walsall Wednesdays

Character, determination, and poor defending. Those are just a few of the phrases leaving the shores of Saddlers fans lips the past few days, as we count down the days to an easy-but-tough trip to Devonshire, where we face Torquay. I use such an oxymoron for one simple reason; if Stockport can get beat 1-0, so can we. Realistically, we should get a win and send the Gulls even closer to the basement door, but how many times in the past eight years have we not gone on to do this when we have been at the top of a league? Losing 2-1 to Oxford is a prime example. We still went on to win the Play-Offs, but we were poor in that particular game, which did cost us automatic promotion. I have the same feeling this time around I`m afraid to say chaps! Colin Lee, remember him – what a card he is. He kept Walsall in the old (but not that old) first division a few light-years ago, but he was then sacked for talking to another club after being told he could do so (Bonser just couldn`t admit that he wanted to sack him on results). I think he will want to get one over on his former club – I would if it was me – so we better watch out and plan a ‘try-again-next-time-loser-downfall-strategy.` Then we should be fine.

I was talking to another Walsall fan yesterday at lunch, like you do, and asked him on his verdict so far on Trevor Benjamin. He said: “He had a rubbish first half on Saturday against Accrington, but he was good against Milton Keynes. He lacks the pace that we need though.” Fair assessment? I was not present at the Accrington match, but I did catch the MK Dons match, and I was thoroughly impressed with Trev`s contribution, which was unlucky not to produce a goal. I will be present at the next home match against Hereford United on Easter Monday, and I hope to catch a glimpse of the 28-year-old`s quality as a centre-forward. However, I am becoming a big fan of Hector Sam – did I just say that? Oh dear.

Lastly this week, I am pleased to have reported previously that Allan Picken is on the mend and could still play a part in the promotion battle. He played last night against Bradford for the reserves, so hopefully he will be ok for the remaining six games of the season. However, I would like to congratulate Hartlepool on winning the League Two title. I think they deserve it due to their 28 game unbeaten run, which is remarkably impressive considering their very average start to the season. I am also doing this to curse them to bring the title to its rightful owners at the Bescot.

Have a good Easter everyone!