ALL SQUARE
MATCH REPORT
THE SUN was shining on Sincil Bank as The Saddlers stepped out to start our FA Cup campaign at Lincoln City.
A well-worked move on the left by Walsall saw us create the first opening of the game as Jamie Paterson linked up with George Bowerman who crossed into the danger zone only for the ball to be cleared for a corner which came to nothing.
A cleverly-taken corner kick caught out the home side but ended with Dean Holden firing over from the edge of the area.
At the other end, David Grof blocked right on the edge of his area to deny Jamie Taylor and then Gary Mills dipped a shot just over from distance.
There was a let-off for The Saddlers on 20 minutes as Alan Power's 25-yard strike smashed against the crossbar and then Grof saved the follow-up effort as the home side started to build up a head of steam.
With Walsall searching for a spark, the home fans appealed for a foul as Andy Butler tangled with Jamie Taylor as he looked to break through. Nothing was given by the referee who was in a good position to see the incident.
A long -range effort from Adam Smith was kept out but not held by Grof as the rebound was cleared by Dean Holden.
The Saddlers fell behind in stoppage time at the end of the first half when Jamie Taylor lifted the ball over Grof from the angle to put the non-League side a goal up.
There was still time for Adam Chambers' low effort to be pushed out by Paul Farman to end what was a disappointing opening period for Walsall.
HALF-TIME: Lincoln City 1 Walsall 0
The second half started with Lincoln going close from a corner after a free-kick in a dangerous position was deflected wide.
Grof saved well to deny the lively Taylor and as the ball came back in, Holden had to be brave to head clear in front of goal.
The first change for Walsall saw Jake Jones replace Ashley Hemmings on 58 minutes.
There was another scare for The Saddlers on 67 minutes as a corner caused problems for Grof and the ball was scrambled clear from in front of goal.
With 20 minutes to go, Aaron Williams replaced Will Grigg.
The final throw of the dice by Dean Smith saw Richard Taundry replace Jamie Paterson on 80 minutes.
Ben Purkiss was booked for a foul on Jake Sheridan as The Imps won a free-kick out wide which came to nothing.
On 86 minutes George Bowerman headed home the equaliser as Richard Taundry's long throw-in found its way to him at the far post.
The Saddlers came to life late on and a chance for Aaron Williams saw him fire wide from close range.
Jake Sheridan fired into the side-netting for Lincoln in stoppage time whilst Nicky Nicolau also went close as the scores finished level and that means a replay will be required on Tuesday, November 13th at Banks's Stadium (kick-off 7.45pm).
WALSALL: David Grof, Ben Purkiss, Dean Holden, Andy Butler, James Chambers, Jamie Paterson (Richard Taundry), Nicky Featherstone, Adam Chambers, Ashley Hemmings (Jake Jones), Will Grigg (Aaron Williams), George Bowerman. Subs not used: Kieron Morris, James Baxendale, James Walker, Paul Downing.