Three goals and three points for Walsall in the December reverse fixture...
Ahead of tonight’s match against Shrewsbury, we take a look back at the Saddlers’ last five matches against the Shrews…1st December 2015 – Shrewsbury 1-3 Walsall – League One
Walsall began life after Dean Smith with an impressive derby win over ten-man Shrewsbury. Larnell Cole fired the hosts ahead on 40 minutes, but Milan Lalkovic's fifth goal in eight matches drew the Saddlers level before half-time. Shrewsbury were reduced to ten men with 19 minutes remaining when Ian Black was sent off for two bookable offences. And the visitors took full advantage, with Paul Downing and Jordan Cook's first goals of the season securing victory.
18th November 2014 – Shrewsbury 1-0 Walsall – FA Cup First Round Replay
Liam Lawrence’s sublime second-half strike booked Shrewsbury’s place in round two. The Shrews captain fired a superb first-time shot into the top corner on 53 minutes to settle a tight affair. Saddlers skipper Adam Chambers was sent off late on for a lunge on Nathaniel Knight-Percival, although the red card was later rescinded.
8th November 2014 – Walsall 2-2 Shrewsbury – FA Cup First Round
Tom Bradshaw bagged a brace against his former club as Walsall twice came from behind to force a replay against League Two Shrewsbury. Mark Ellis’ early opener was cancelled out by Bradshaw’s 56th-minute leveller, but James Collins’ effort restored the Shrews’ advantage. And with time running out, Bradshaw diverted Paul Downing's shot into the corner to rescue a draw.
29th March 2014 - Walsall 1-0 Shrewsbury – League One
Craig Westcarr scored and was later sent off as Walsall climbed to eighth with victory over relegation-threatened Shrewsbury. The only goal came after five minutes, Westcarr turning and firing past Joe Anyon from the edge of the box. Both sides finished the match with ten men; Shrewsbury’s Joseph Mills was sent off for a foul on James Chambers before Westcarr saw red for clashing with Sam Foley.
14th December 2013 – Shrewsbury 0-1 Walsall – League One
Milan Lalkovic’s solitary strike earned the Saddlers all three points. The Chelsea loanee latched on to Romaine Sawyers’ through ball to fire Walsall in front on 54 minutes. Shrewsbury should have equalised late on but Tom Eaves, somehow, missed an open goal from three yards. The victory lifted Walsall up to ninth, four points off the play-offs.