The latest action direct from Banks's Stadium...
THE SUN was shining as The Saddlers stepped out for the visit of Notts County, who were resplendent in pink shirts.A neat move in the opening three minutes saw Craig Westcarr, in the starting line-up against one of his former clubs, find Jamie Paterson whose effort had the sting took out of it by a deflection and made it easy for the 'keeper to gather.
With six minutes on the clock, a break from the half-way line, led by Paterson ended with Will Grigg entering the area and rounding the advancing 'keeper only for his effort to be cleared off the line by Alan Judge who did really well.
In the 27th minute, Paterson broke the offside trap and was challenged by Bartosz Bialkowski just inside the area. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Will Grigg, cool as you like, did the rest to make it 1-0.
The Saddlers were looking the most likely side and some skill by Febian Brandy ended with his shot taking a deflection as the 'keeper gathered.
Other than a couple of wayward efforts, the Walsall back-line was rarely troubled during the opening period.
HALF-TIME: Walsall 1 Notts County 0
The visitors came out of the blocks brightly at the start of the second half and forced a couple of corners that were scrambled clear.
There was a good chance for the visitors in the 54th minute when Judge went through only for Ian McLoughlin to block and then substitute, Yoann Arquin fired the rebound wide from a good position.
With County enjoying their best spell, Judge was off target with a strike as a free-kick fell into his path.
At the other end, the lively Paterson broke away before threading through Westcarr who was denied by the 'keeper.
The goal that the visitors had been threatening came when The Saddlers failed to clear and Arquin used his strength to fend off his marker and fire home for 1-1.
Having been denied a penalty, Febian Brandy was booked with around 20 minutes to go and then on 75 minutes Westcarr was replaced by George Bowerman.
There were more loud penalty appeals as Brandy went through the middle and as the 'keeper slipped, the Walsall front-man appeared to be pulled back. The referee was unmoved as play continued.
Link-up play between Brandy and Paterson ended with the latter dragging his attempt wide.
A dangerous free-kick curled to the back post by Alan Sheehan was headed just wide by Francois Zoko who won the free-kick in the first place.
In the end it was honours even.
FULL-TIME: Walsall 1 Notts County 1