Walsall travelled to league leaders Leyton Orient with some more in hope than expectation facing a side who had won their opening eight games and are on fire but there was also a belief among the players and supporters alike that Orient can't win every game they play in and that Saddlers would give it their best shot especially with the sort of away form displayed at Crewe and Wolves. Things were looking good as the match got underway with Walsall in confident mood. Just as Walsall began to express themselves they were delt a cruel blow by the referee in the 17th minute when despite winning the ball cleanly, inspirational captain Andy Butler was sent off in front of the home bench. The fact that later the decision was overturned and Andy is not to be suspended as Saddlers had to reshuffle and play out the remaining game with ten men.
Walsall then gifted Orient a goal scored by David Mooney and although Walsall were doing okay there was a feeling that it wasn't going to be Saddlers day with the home side's freescoring record. Richard O'Donnell made a couple of smart saves to keep his side in the game. One in particular when he tipped a shot onto his bar from point blank range was breath taking.
Walsall kept on pressing and the longer the game went on there was belief that if they kept plugging away a goal would come and sure enough on 70 minutes Walsall were back in it when Craig Westcarr headed home from close range. It was no more than what the team deserved for all their hard work. Despite some late Orient pressure the Saddlers held out to claim a well earned 1-1 draw. Orient had a man sent off deep into time added on but the talking point was why was Andy Butler sent off.
