Following Saturday's surprise victory over Notts County Walsall supporter Berian Lowe shares his Match Report;
Walsall lined up again with what basically is a 4-4-1-1 formation, opting for a 5 man midfield with Cuvelier playing in behind Grigg.
Walsall lined up again with what basically is a 4-4-1-1 formation, opting for a 5 man midfield with Cuvelier playing in behind Grigg.
County looked as if they were going to try and maintain that 100% league start they had, as they created a few chances in the opening stages of the game. There were a couple of deflections which, to be fair to Grof, who received some pretty harsh criticism in the last week, did well.
The closest we had come to a chance in the opening exchange was when Florent Cuvelier picked out Ben Purkiss with a great ball, who couldn't find anybody in a pretty deserted 18 yard box.
Both sides intended to pass the ball around, but County had the better of play and at times played some really neat football, where as Walsall looked slightly uncomfortable on the ball. We gave away possession a little too easily, with the problem stemming from having no-one upfront who can pick out a header or hold the ball up successfully.
Mid-way through the first half, the rain had started falling as County had a strike which took a wicked deflection, and again, a scrambling Grof did well to get a glove to it and tip it around the post. The sound of a rather noisy Walsall following was drown out as the rain started coming down in stair rods . The Saddlers were doing reasonable well defensively, both succeeding in soaking up pressure and frustrating Notts County
The last move of the half saw County's keeper flapping as he unconvincingly pushed away an Ashley Hemmings' free kick, as the sides went into the break even.
The rain had stopped and the sun was belting down on Nottingham as the sides kicked back off.
Notts County were looking to put us under pressure from the off. Lee Hughes, although without having any real chances, was causing us all sorts of problems as he linked well with his County team mates.
Meanwhile, The Saddlers had a few corners, but couldn't capitalise when a great ball was whipped in by Paterson, but unfortunately the Saddler's didn't have any one running in on to it.
Cuvelier showed off his premiership pedigree as a fantastic ball picked out Hemmings who couldn't get his shot away on target. County found themselves in good positions at times, but in all fairness looked less likely to score as the game went on!
Hemmings showed his pace as he picked up a loose ball, shrugged of a couple of challenges before deciding to bend a shot just over the bar and rather than play in Cuvelier who looked to be in a good position to his right.
County had a few chances up there end, Lee Hughes flicked the ball on towards the back post where the County player couldn't seem to find the target even though as he had time to compose himself.
Enoch Showumni came on for the Magpies, and failed to really get into the game. Butler was on him from the off as Showumni struggled to get the better of the Saddler's skipper.
Dean Smith made what was to be The Saddler's only change mid-way through the second half, with Nicky Featherstone making way for Georgy Bowerman. Our system had changed too, Cuvelier was pushed further back in to midfield as Bowerman came up top to make our formation a 4-4-2.
The change of system was a breath of fresh air for the Saddlers. It seemed to stretch out the County back for and made a few openings as Walsall started to make themselves favourites for the opening goal. Bowerman, Cuvelier and Paterson all coming close - with the fans recognising the difference the change had made, comparing Dean Smith to the Special One!
With just over 10 minutes left on the clock the Saddlers took the lead. Purkiss floated a free-kick over to a perfectly timed Andy Butler run, who looked to have finished calmly, but with Bowerman running on to try and pinch a goal, I'm not sure who actually finished it, but as of writing, the goal stands with Butler! 1-0
After this the game pretty much drown out, there was a little altercation between Lee Hughes and Andy Butler, which saw the pair both booked.
Bowerman then was booked for continuing to have a shot, despite the flag being raised. I'm presuming the reason for the booking was more for time wasting rather than kicking the ball away.
The 4th official signalled there was to be 4 minutes to be added on, but deep into the four minutes Walsall fans were left biting there fingernails as Lee Hughes was brought down on the edge of the box. Fortunately the free kick was poor, and only managed to find the wall. Walsall found themselves on what looked like to be a break, but the Referee blew his whistle. Condemning County to their first loss of the campaign and the Saddler's to their first win.
FT: Notts County 0 Walsall 1 (Butler 80')
ATT: 5,851
REF: G, Salisbury
FT: Notts County 0 Walsall 1 (Butler 80')
ATT: 5,851
REF: G, Salisbury
Overall, the Saddlers struggled to get to grips with things whilst at 4-4-1-1 with Grigg being isolated up top. County will be upset as they had wasted a lot of good chances. But as we changed the system to a 4-4-2 we looked much better both in the way we passed and the chances we made.