Super Saddlers returned from Brentford with a 2-1 win under their belt to record their first win of the season and end a terrible run of results at Griffin Park- a ground where Walsall have not claimed a victory since 1987. Brentford made all the early running and as early as the 4th minute keeper Jonny Brain had to make a good double save to keep The Bees out as he first denied Charlie Mac Donald and then Gary Alexander.
Surprisingly Walsall took the lead against the run of play in the 11th minute. Alex Nicholls, who is anxious to take over from the departed striker Troy Deeney as the main choice of frontman, pounced as the defenders hesitated, to give the tonic that The Saddlers needed at Griffin Park which really has been a graveyard for Walsall on their travels down the years.
Walsall were under the cosh for most of the reminder of the half and in the 43rd minute the inevitable happened- Brentford levelled as Gary Alexander headed home from Robbie Simpson's cross. The ball looped over keeper Jonny Brain who did get his fingertips to it.
Saddlers started the second half off brightly and began to get their passing game working and it was fitting that they regained the lead in the 55th minute. Richard Taundry won the ball and found Darren Byfield who crossed nicely for Julian Gray to power home. Walsall's defence then came under the cosh as Brentford worked reallly hard to get back into this game. A terrific rearguard action saw Walsall come away with all three points and get their season started.
