Walsall arrived at Huish Park to face a Yeovil Town side on a strong run of form which has seen them climb away from the relegation places in recent weeks. The Saddlers were looking to extend their own unbeaten run in their changed black away kit, and it was a chance to stay in touch with The Glovers.
With the away fans in good voice, both teams started the game brightly looking to get an immediate grip of the game. A Kevan Hurst free kick after 5 minutes went just over, before a header from Yeovil striker Andy Williams fell straight to 'keeper David Grof, after the ball had bounced around in the box.
Yeovil then managed to find more space and forced a corner which was delivered by midfielder Ed Upson but Jonathan Obika's header was saved by Grof. Soon after, Obika was again involved when he closed down Lee Beevers, but his initial shot fell to Andy Williams and was blocked resulting in a corner. More attacking Yeovil play came after sloppy Walsall passing, before Mat Sadler's shot sailed over after neat play between West Brom loanee Sam Mantom and Hurst.
In the 20th minute, good Yeovil play down the left from Jonathan Grounds opened up space for the cross but it was easily cleared by the Saddlers defence. A Mat Sadler cross in the 25th minute found its way to Mantom but his shot was saved. Grof was then again called into action to deny Andy Williams after he easily found space once again in the Walsall box. Yeovil right back Luke Ayling then beat Sadler far too easily, but he hit the crossbar with a fierce shot from the edge of the area.
At the other end, Emmanuel Ledesma, re-signed yesterday, played in Jon Macken who's shot was saved by Sam Walker in the Yeovil net. On the stroke of half time, Sam Mantom pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the box before hitting a diagonal shot across the 'keeper, squeezing into the back of the net to make it 1-0 to the Saddlers.
HALF TIME: Yeovil Town 0 Walsall 1
Walsall started the 2nd half brightly before Yeovil defender Paul Huntington went close with a header from a corner. A few Walsall breaks followed but the final pass kept falling short which was ultimately frustrating. Gavin Williams and Edward Upson then fired high and wide over the bar as Yeovil looked for a reply. A double Yeovil substitution saw Dean Parrett and former Walsall trialist Michael Woods come on, as they looked to get back into the game.
Kevan Hurst then made way for Jamie Paterson before the Yeovil equaliser did eventually come just after the hour mark. Walsall failed to close down Andy Williams and his shot took a huge deflection, looping over the stranded Grof into the back of the net.
Soon after, Ledesma was withdrawn from the action before some brief Walsall pressure came to nothing, much to the frustration of the fans. Alex Nicholls had a flurry of half chances but was too hesitant in his decision making. Grof then made a fantastic double save to keep the scores briefly level and send the ball out for a corner. The resulting corner fell to the lively Andy Williams who guided the ball into the net with his back to goal. From my view it again looked like poor defending from the Saddlers, especially at that time in the game.
Bowerman was introduced late on to try and snatch a point but it wasn't to be. In the 88th minute, Andy Butler headed over yet again as the game went into 4 minutes of stoppage time which was pretty uneventful.
Considering we took the lead, it was a bit of missed opportunity for Walsall and we should have been able to at least take a point away from home. It wasn't the most inspiring performance of the season but in our position it is vital that we keep picking up points. It is a shame our recent good form couldn't continue but we must bounce back at home next weekend against Stevenage.
RESULT: Yeovil Town 2 Walsall 1
Att: 3,705
By: Jack Hansford