Walsall came back from the dead at Leyton Orient to grab a match saving draw with an headed goal from Oliver Lancashire which could prove to be so vital come the end of the season.It was the highlight of the game for the 281 of us hardy supporters who had seen a largely inept performance from the players, especially in the first half and it was hard to believe this was the same line up from the previous Saturday at Preston where Saddlers played some sparkling football and were unluck to lose. This week it was a case of relief although it make a change for Walsall to get something out of a game that they hardly looked like doing so.
It took Walsall such a long time to get into their stride and the first shot came in the 28th minute when Kevan Hurst hit tamely wide from the edge of the box. Walsall were creating nothing in midfield. It would have been interesting to see how Adam Chambers would have performed against his old club but he was again out injured.
Leyton Orient were reduced to ten men before the half time interval when Solomon Taiwo made a lunge at Florent Cuvelier and was rightly red carded. However as often unfolds in these situations, the team with just 10 played as well, if not better, that the one with 11.
Walsall, in fairness, did improve in the second half and at least managed a few shots on target but the longer the game went on it seemed there would be no way back. Deep into time added on the visitors won a corner. Keeper David Grof went up for the corner and made himself a pest to the defence by darting around to distract them and there was ollie Lancashire to nod home. It was a little harsh on Orient but a real boost for Walsall although they are in the drop zone again now.
