Walsall are still in the FA Cup following their 1-1 draw at Fleetwood last Saturday but can thank veteran goalkeeper Jimmy Walker for earning The Saddlers a replay at the Banks's Stadium next Tuesday night making 3 or 4 good saves in the closing stages as the home side rose to the occasion to take the game to Walsall at times as they tried to register a spot of giant killing at their Highbury ground.
Walsall got off to a great start however, scoring a goal after just 4 minutes when Matt Richards found the net to what should have set Walsall on their way but in that first half conceded a penalty and had a man sent off. Richard Taundry fouled Ian Craney in the box. Thankfully for the visitors Steve Mc Nulty sent his spot kick crashing against the top of the bar so Saddlers could let out a big sigh of relief.
Defender Ryan Mc Govern was sent off for a needless challenge with his studs showing giving referee Peter Quinn no alternative than to produce the red card.This was in the 39th minute and as half time came many of the 500 plus Walsall fans were wondering if the players would hold out for over half the match with 10 men defending their lead.
The second half saw Fleetwood continuing their passing game and certainly had good fitness levels. They finally got back into the game when Jamie Mullan hit a fantastic shot that gave Walker no chance. The longer the game went on the more it seemed that Fleetwood would finish the stronger and the travelling Walsall fans made their feelings known towards manager Chris Hutchings and gave him a torrid time. The fans have had enough and want a change. They have had very little to cheer this season.
