Author: David Evans
Walsall lost the chance for a welcome home win with a very frustrating 1-1 draw with lowly Hartlepool United. The satisfaction of obtaining a creditable draw at league leaders Tranmere Rovers the previous Tuesday was matched with the one of disbelief against such a struggling side at home who had gone 18 games without a win and it showed as they came for-and got-a draw. Walsall had enough chances in the first half to have buried 'Pool. It just seemed a case of when.
Then totally against the run of play the visitors scored. It was their first attack and could and should have been avoided. It came as a result of a needless suicidal backpass from winger Ashley Hemmings which had no real chance of finding on-loan keeper Aaron Mc Cary. The inevitable happened and the young keeper sent Evan Horwood flying. He was booked for his efforts and Horwood blasted home the spot kick. Walsall got back into the game however when following a shot from Will Grigg, Dean Holden connected and the ball flew into the net. There were a few chances and half chances for both sides in the second half but Walsall could not force home the winner.
