Another fustrating afternoon for the fans at the Banks's Stadium last Saturday as the team played out a 0-0 draw but created so few chances to find that all important goal that would have clinched all three points but had to settle for their third draw in a row on a somewhat heavy pitch against Bristol Rovers.
Walsall had big Sam Parkin leading the attack in place of the suspended Troy Deeney and although he used his strength well he never really looked like scoring. This now means that the Saddlers have gone eight games without a win and instead of kicking on in that period and try to get near as possible to the play offs they now find themselves in 13th and only five points above the drop zone.
February sees the games coming thick and fast with games on each Tuesday as well as Saturday and the recent lack of points on the board is giving the fans cause for concern as this month also sees tricky away games at Leeds and Southampton where any points will be hard to come away with. Its vital this month then that a few victories are picked up along the way and it is hoped that games like this are a little more fruitful.
Walsall almost claimed the points however in time added on as Clayton Mac Donald thumped a header against the bar. In a first half that saw Saddlers hardly worthy of a decent attack, let alone a goal, Richard Taundry twice kicked over the bar and whilst Bristol Rovers had a few attempts on goal themselves the Walsall defence was rock solid and in no mood to concede.
After the interval Matt Richards had a shot blocked and keeper Clayton Ince was called into action to deny Jo Kuffour and Ince made a couple more smart saves as the game wore on. The introduction of Alex Nicholls and Mark Bradley didn't really have the desired effect and the stalemate ensured that this was another draw but have only conceded one goal in those games. Next game is Bristol Rovers away and Walsall must find a way to start scoring some goals before their season starts to fade away.
