Walsall went into this game in what
had to be considered as decent form after the terrible run of form that had proceeded it. Knowing a
win would make it nine points from four games and most importantly keep them clear of
the dreaded drop zone. Meanwhile Stevenage were looking to complete a double
over us, with a win earlier in the season taking them up to 2nd,
this time they were looking to stop in the top half.
The game started in relatively
promising fashion for us with few decent chances coming our way, especially
when Grigg and Cuvelier were linking up in the opening 5 minutes. However, the
unthinkable happened as Flo ran onto a through ball. A anxious clutch of his
hamstring was followed by a dramatic fall to the turf in just his first start
after long term injury. That was the end of his day, and perhaps his Walsall FC
career. He was replaced by another man who hasn’t made an appearance in a
while, James Baxendale.
After this, unfortunately we
seemed to fall a little flat in our attacking play. Stevenage didn’t look half
as good as the side who outplayed us earlier in the season, and could only
conjure up half chances as the half reached its midway point. We continued to
have the vast majority of the play, but keeping the ball around Chambers and
the defence we struggled to create too many chances. The closest we came as the
half died out was a long effort from Baxendale.
Just as we had started to accept
the fact that Flo had gone and we were finding some sort of rhythm without him,
disaster struck another of our key players, as Andy Taylor began holding his
groin. He did continue at first, but after going up for a header he hit the
turf just as Cuvelier had, and also had to be replaced. Mal Benning stepped up
to fill in at full back. Stevenage did finally start to have some sort of
attacking intent as the half came to a close, but ultimately it was too late,
and we went into the break after a rather dull and unexciting first 45 minutes
with no goals.
HT: Walsall 0 Stevenage 0
The second half began with a slightly higher tempo. Both sides were
now at least looking to attack, but with little reward as all play seemed to
break down in midfield. The first real chance came from Will Grigg. Baxendale
made a great run down the right after a 1-2 with Purkiss, whipped the ball
across and hoped it would drop to somebody. Westcarr had a pop before it
dropped to Grigg who shot agonisingly over the bar.
After this, much like the first half, the game settled down into a
slow, relaxed rhythm with few chances coming for either side. We were still having
the best of the possession, and keeping Stevenage quiet so there were few
complaints about our lack of attacking play. As the half went on, we were
looking the only team likely to score, but still a 0-0 didn’t look unlikely.
All we seemed to be missing as the game entered the last quarter was a
bit of luck. Baxendale was playing well down the wing, but the killer ball just
wouldn’t come, and it was showing on the player’s morale’s. They started to
look tired and reluctant to continue with our slow build up play, and the ball
was being given away too much. For the first time in the game, it looked like
Stevenage may hit us on the break. Grigg was replaced by Bowerman in an attempt
to regain the upper hand.
Finally, on 86 minutes the deadlock was broken, and what a way to
break it! Jamie Paterson stepped inside from the wing, took a touch and smashed
the ball home. A stunning strike, leaving the ‘keeper with no chance. He looked
like he enjoyed it too, running straight over to taunt the Stevenage fans who
were livid, he even gave them a cheeky wave as he walked away.
The job was
pretty much done there, but there was still a bit of time for the visitors to
throw their many huge players into the box and pump the ball forward to them.
All it took was Butler and Downing to header away a few long balls and that was
that. Not the most exciting of games but another 3 point on our total.
FT: Walsall 1 (Paterson 87') Stevenage 0
Attendance: 3,301
Referee: Scott Mathieson