Walsall FC made their usual exit from the Carling Cup with a 0-1 home defeat to fellow League One club Tranmere Rovers at the Banks's Stadium. Only once now in the last seven seasons have Walsall progressed to round two in this competition which is so disappointing. Just 2,253 bothered to turn up for this game and about 250 were in the away section. Even with discounted tickets available there was little response from the Walsall public.
Following on from last Saturday's disappointing 1-2 setback against MK Dons Walsall started this game in a more positive fashion.In the first six minutes winger Steve Jones produced two shots, one of which was on target and on 28 minutes Daryl Westlake came close for the Saddlers then there was a promising move down the left when Darren Byfield found Julian Gray but his shot on target was blocked.
However following a free kick from Paul Mc Laren Joss Labadie directed the ball towards the goal area and there was Joe Collister to push the ball past Jonny Brain. Just after Walsall had their best chance of the game. From a Tranmere mix up Darren Byfield raced forward, slipped the ball to Alex Nicholls but the visitors keeper made an excellent save.
The second half saw Walsall go into their shell a little and although they won a few corners and created a few half chances it just wouldn't happen. The biggest cheer was when Will Grigg was introduced as substitute with around 25 minutes to go. So two home deafeats in a few days has hammered home the need to replace Troy Deeney.A proven goal scorer is badly needed.
