Following Tuesday night's away draw to Oldham Athletic Bescot Banter columnist Jack Hansford shares his Match Report;
Walsall traveled to Boundary Park to face Oldham in what was the second league game of the season. After a heavy defeat at the weekend, it was important the Saddlers aimed to bounce back.
In truth, there wasn't really much happening early on in the game, with both teams just wanting to get hold of the ball.
It was Oldham that were doing the better job though and the Latics looked much more comfortable in possession forcing Walsall to defend their goal on numerous occasions.
With Oldham beginning to exploit the space available on the edge of the box, it was Comoros international Youssouf M'Changama who accepted Walsall's invitation to shoot and his drive was seemingly well saved by 'keeper David Grof but somehow it bounced off the unfortunate stoppers head and into the back of the net.
HT: Oldham Athletic 1 Walsall 0
The second half began much like the first. However, it was much more end to end involving plenty of half chances for both teams. Oldham again seemed to look more threatening on the break, all because of Walsall's lack of ability to keep hold of the ball.
The turning point for Walsall came with the introduction of Bowerman and Williams who together with Hemmings seemed to link up nicely towards the end of the game.
The trio's play offered Walsall more of a threat going into the last ten minutes as the Saddlers pressed higher up the pitch. In the 79th minute it was George Bowerman who pounced on a back pass meant for Oldham 'keeper Alex Cisak and he calmly placed the ball into the corner of the net to equalise.
With three minutes time allowed shown on the board, it was inevitable Oldham would throw men forward to get the winner but the back four stood firm and managed to defend the point.
FT: Oldham Athletic 1 (M'changama 36) Walsall 1 (Bowerman 79')
Att: 3,496
Ref: M, Brown
I must admit it was difficult to see where a goal for us would come from tonight and it was only because of a mistake that drew us level. It was a game where both teams were trying desperately not to concede and on the night it was a poor game which included two poor goals in my opinion.
Roll on Saturday.
By: Jack Hansford
Walsall traveled to Boundary Park to face Oldham in what was the second league game of the season. After a heavy defeat at the weekend, it was important the Saddlers aimed to bounce back.
In truth, there wasn't really much happening early on in the game, with both teams just wanting to get hold of the ball.
It was Oldham that were doing the better job though and the Latics looked much more comfortable in possession forcing Walsall to defend their goal on numerous occasions.
With Oldham beginning to exploit the space available on the edge of the box, it was Comoros international Youssouf M'Changama who accepted Walsall's invitation to shoot and his drive was seemingly well saved by 'keeper David Grof but somehow it bounced off the unfortunate stoppers head and into the back of the net.
HT: Oldham Athletic 1 Walsall 0
The second half began much like the first. However, it was much more end to end involving plenty of half chances for both teams. Oldham again seemed to look more threatening on the break, all because of Walsall's lack of ability to keep hold of the ball.
The turning point for Walsall came with the introduction of Bowerman and Williams who together with Hemmings seemed to link up nicely towards the end of the game.
The trio's play offered Walsall more of a threat going into the last ten minutes as the Saddlers pressed higher up the pitch. In the 79th minute it was George Bowerman who pounced on a back pass meant for Oldham 'keeper Alex Cisak and he calmly placed the ball into the corner of the net to equalise.
With three minutes time allowed shown on the board, it was inevitable Oldham would throw men forward to get the winner but the back four stood firm and managed to defend the point.
FT: Oldham Athletic 1 (M'changama 36) Walsall 1 (Bowerman 79')
Att: 3,496
Ref: M, Brown
I must admit it was difficult to see where a goal for us would come from tonight and it was only because of a mistake that drew us level. It was a game where both teams were trying desperately not to concede and on the night it was a poor game which included two poor goals in my opinion.
Roll on Saturday.
By: Jack Hansford