Walsall's players had a fortnight off due to not having a game the previous weekend and it was hoped that a break from playing plus a team bonding excercise in Wales that The Saddlers would come back refreshed and focussed on getting a good result against Coventry City at the impressive Ricoh Arena. Walsall gave a full debut to on loan winger cum striker Aaron Westcarr from Chesterfield. For the first 20 minutes Walsall competed well and actually took the lead when the prescence of Westcarr forced Blair Adams into slicing the ball into his own net. The impressive 1072 travelling fans from Walsall were in party mood at this point and hoped it was the sort of good start needed for the team to kick on and get a good result.
In time honoured fashion, however, the players soon folded. Coventry had already had two near misses before Carl Baker got The Sky Blues on level terms. Then before half time two goals in quick succession from the impressive on-loan striker David Mc Goldrick really dented Saddlers hopes and frustrated the fans. In the second half Will Grigg had a chance but lobbed the ball over the bar. Mc Goldrick was denied a hat trick when he struck a post however in the 61st minute Cyrus Christie put the game beyond any doubt. Sorry Walsall did get the ball in the net but it was ruled out for offside. Skipper Andy Butler got himself sent off following two yellow cards and the misery was complete when Baker got his second and Coventry's fifth goal towards the end. Walsall have now gone 15 league and cup games without a win in all competitions. A disturbing stat and it now looks like The Saddlers will have a third successive relegation battle on their hands.
