After two successive 2-1 wins Walsall slipped up 1-2 at Brighton in a match where they failed to make use of their first half chances, failed to defend and had a man sent off before scoring a consolation goal in time added on.
Walsall have always had a decent record at the Withdean Stadium and indeed started off quite brightly Rueben Reid was guilty of two missed opportunities in the first 45 minutes. But Walsall were competing well and it seemed that a point at least was obtainable on the basis of the first half performance.
It was a different story in the second half. however as the home side stepped up a gear. They had already hit the bar when they took the lead on 67 minutes. Murray sent over a cross and there was Barnes with acres of space to fire home giving Jonny Brain no chance.
Then striker Alex Nicholls was sent off for kicking out at a Brighton player which most people missed except for an eagle-eyed linesman who informed the referee of the player's fustration in kicking out. It is so out of character for Nicholls who now probably faces a three match ban and a fight to regain his place in the team.
Walsall's day got blacker when Brighton increased their lead in the 80th minute when Painter found the net. The only good to come out of this half was the introduction to the action for John Macken who came off the bench and scored a decent goal for Saddlers in time added on, looping the ball over the keeper to start his Walsall career off with a goal. It was too little too late for Walsall who must have rued those first half misses.
