WALSALL v SWINDON TOWN
THE SADDLERS return to home soil on a brisk January evening hoping to end the month unbeaten.There was a lively start to the proceedings by Walsall as we forced a couple of early corners before the eighth minute saw Craig Westcarr link up well with Febian Brandy whose powerful strike flashed just wide.
The next attack saw Westcarr's deft header land narrowly wide following Milan Lalkovic's teasing cross.
It was The Saddlers who created all the chances in the opening quarter-of-an-hour.
The visitors had a couple of efforts in quick succession as firstly Alex Pritchard was denied by O'Donnell and then Luongo fired over after The Robins won the ball in midfield.
The Saddlers took the lead on 35 minutes when a well-worked move ended with Romaine Sawyers slotting home after James Chambers and Westcarr linked up in the build-up.
It was a deserved lead for Walsall and in stoppage time at the end of the half, Brandy almost doubled our lead when his low strike was pushed wide by the 'keeper.
HALF-TIME: Walsall 1 Swindon Town 0
Some early skill from Brandy ends with him winning a free-kick that was well-worked but cleared by the visitors as Westcarr put the ball into the area.
There were loud appeals for a penalty as James Chambers went down as Branco guided the ball out. The referee unimpressed as Swindon breathe a sigh of relief.
A sweeping move by Walsall saw Mantom feed Brandy whose strike was blocked by Wes Foderingham.
The visitors were back on level terms in the 70th minute when Michael Smith found the net from close range following a teasing cross by Thompson.
In the wake of the goal, Ben Purkiss replaced James Chambers.
A foul on Brandy in full flight gave Walsall a free-kick in a good position. The defensive wall did its job to deny Westcarr.
There was another change by The Saddlers as Ashley Hemmings replaced Brandy.
After Troy Hewitt replaced Sawyers late on, a positive burst and strike from Mal Benning flew just over the crossbar.
There was a late chance for The Saddlers when Ashley Hemmings cut inside and hit a curling effort that hit the crossbar. It was unlucky as the match ended all square.
FULL-TIME: Walsall 1 Swindon Town 1