The latest action direct from the Keepmoat Stadium...
THE SADDLERS stepped out for only our second-ever visit to the Keepmoat Stadium. Having won here on the last occasion, we were hoping for a repeat result against a side level on points with the leaders.There was a perfect start for Walsall as within the opening minute, a free-kick was whipped in dangerously from the right by Andy Taylor and skipper, Andy Butler - Doncaster born and bred - headed home to make it 1-0.
A dangerous raid on the right by the home side saw Paul Quinn cross for Chris Brown but The Saddlers' defence did enough to put him off as he found himself in a good position. The equaliser wasn't too long in coming when another inviting ball into the danger zone saw Billy Paynter find space as he latched onto a Brown nod down to guide the ball beyond an exposed Ian McLoughlin.
There was a booking for David Cotterill for diving as he went down inside the area under the challenge of Andy Taylor.
The home side starting to get into their stride as the half went on.
A foul on Adam Chambers in the 24th minute gave Walsall a free-kick in a promising position which Andy Taylor curled goalwards and it just clipped the outside of the post.
The Saddlers defending resolutely to deny the home side, whilst at the other end, Adam Chambers threaded through Febian Brandy who dragged his effort wide of the mark.
There was a forced change for The Saddlers just before the break when Ben Purkiss left the field to be replaced by former Rovers man, James Chambers.
Walsall won a free-kick in another promising position as this time Taylor's effort flew over.
HALF-TIME: Doncaster Rovers 1 Walsall 1
Pacy burst at the very start of the second half by James Baxendale who put his strike well wide of the target.
The home side won a free-kick just outside the area following James Chambers' foul. The ball was drilled in low by Cotterill as firstly McLoughlin saved from Brown and then Saddlers managed to scramble the loose ball clear.
Some good pressing by Brandy forced a corner as the game became a little scrappy. At the other end, Brown headed just wide from a deep cross from the right.
There was a let-off for Walsall when Davod Cotterill lashed an effort from distance onto the underside of the bar and the ball bounced away to safety.
A second Saddlers' change saw Baxendale replaced by Craig Westcarr as Walsall had a couple of chances of our own in quick succession, the second of which was a powerful drive that Gary Woods grabbed at the second attempt.
Another Walsall raid saw Brandy break and despite appeals for a foul in the build-up, play continued with Westcarr denied by the 'keeper.
The Saddlers regained the lead with nine minutes to go when Brandy showed skill to cut inside from the right edge of the area before prodding the ball home to make it 2-1.
We had our tails between our legs as Paterson launched a counter-attack from half-way that ended with the ball being deflected behind for a corner and then Taylor tried his luck from distance as the ball deflected over.
Dean Smith's men continued to work hard as the clock ticked down.
The closing stages saw Nicky Featherstone replace Brandy as Walsall secured another excellent victory.
FULL-TIME: Doncaster Rovers 1 Walsall 2