GILLINGHAM v WALSALL
THE SADDLERS stepped out at Priestfield Stadium determined to get back on track following a disappointing defeat in our previous game.It was a positive start for Walsall who came out of the blocks well and an early cross from Anthony Forde was deflected to force a save from Bywater.
A corner from Forde on five minutes caused problems but scrambled clear. The next raid saw Baxendale do well on the right to play the ball into Grimes whose effort was saved.
A neat ball from Loft searched for McDonald but O'Donnell was alert to gather ahead of him as the home side start to get into their stride.
There was a slick move from The Saddlers as Chambers picked out Forde wide on the left and he controlled well before crossing invitingly for Grimes who was just off target with his effort.
The home side almost found a way through as Norris broke through but O'Donnell was on hand to deny him.
Another corner from Forde causes concern as the ball finds Butler who fails to get enough power in his attempt.
Some slick play by The Saddlers ends with Taylor's low strike winning a corner that came to nothing.
The half ended with a neat move on the left from Walsall but Taylor's cross was scrambled clear as we went into the break goalless.
There were half-chances at either end in the opening exchanges of the second period, but neither 'keeper seriously tested.
The Saddlers made a change ten minutes into the second half as Mal Benning replaced Taylor and straight away the home side went close from a corner as Butler did well to deflect the ball out.
A low ball in from the right saw Sawyers allow the ball to run to Forde in space and he curled over from a good position as he delayed his strike.
Andy Butler saw yellow for a foul to give the home side a free-kick which saw them force a corner off Baxendale.
A further change saw Manset unleashed for Sawyers.
There was another great cross from Forde that was headed wide by Baxendale and then Forde was over with a strike from distance.
A short corner found its way to Flanagan who just snatched at it and was off target.
A final change saw Amadou Bakayoko on for Grimes for the closing stages.
Some good battling from Manset sees him win a free-kick just outside the area. Forde struck goalwards, but lacked the necessary pace.
It was to be the last action of the game as it finished goalless.