Saddlers' run ends at Stevenage...
THE SADDLERS stepped out resplendent in yellow for our latest game on the road as we visited Stevenage for only the second time in our history.Lively opening by both sides. Walsall looking busy and purposeful but neither side creating any chance of note in the opening seven minutes.
Heavy challenge on Jamie Paterson left him in need of treatment, but thankfully he was able to resume.
The first attempt at goal came on 20 minutes when Luke Freeman cut across the field before getting in a powerful strike that landed just wide.
The Saddlers fell a goal behind on 24 minutes when Robin Shroot picked up the ball on the edge of the area before turning and getting in a strike that found its way beyond David Grof.
The goal gave the home side a real boost and a fine cross from David Gray was met by a flicked header from Dean Holden to take the ball away from Pat Agyemang.
Free-kick from a long way out by Ashley Hemmings just past the half-hour was pumped into the box and the ball found its way through a crowd of players to hit the base of the post before being scrambled away.
In stoppage time at the end of the half, Hemmings put in a teasing cross that Chris Day did well to punch clear.
HALF-TIME: Stevenage 1 Walsall 0
The home side created a couple of early half-chances at the start of the second period as The Saddlers looked to get into their stride.
David Grof saved well to deny Shroot as Stevenage applied some pressure.
There was a change on 56 minutes as Will Grigg replaced Ashley Hemmings.
The equaliser came when Paterson's corner came back out to him via Flo Cuvelier and he crossed invitingly for Bowerman who headed home to make it 1-1.
With 66 minutes on the clock, Paterson's free-kick caused concern only for Baxendale's lifted effort to be gathered comfortably by Chris Day in the home goal.
The home side regained the lead when Greg Tansey let fly from distance and the ball flew beyond Grof.
Straight away Grof had to save at full stretch to deny former loanee Shroot, whilst at the other end a chance almost opened up for Bowerman but he was denied by a block from Day.
With ten minutes to go Aaron Williams replaced James Baxendale and then a minute later, Richard Taundry came on for Andy Taylor.
As the clock ticked down, The Saddlers were caught out with a third goal for Stevenage as Tansey found Lucas Akins in space and he made no mistake.
Some good skill by Taundry saw him get away from his marker and play a ball through towards Bowerman but Day was alert to the danger.
A free-kick from Richard Taundry dipped just over for The Saddlers.
FULL-TIME: Stevenage 3 Walsall 1
WALSALL: Grof, Butler, Holden, Featherstone, Cuvelier, Paterson, Hemmings (Grigg), Purkiss, Bowerman, Baxendale (Williams), A. Taylor (Taundry).