Walsall Football Club

After an early raid for Walsall as Milan Lalkovic forced a corner which was whipped back into the danger zone by Mal Benning as the ball was half-cleared, it was the home side who went ahead with their first attack in the second minute as Rene Howe converted a cross from the left at the far post.

The Saddlers back into their stride and a neat move on the quarter-hour ended with Sam Mantom's low drive from distance saved.

There was a scare for Walsall when another inviting ball came in from the left, but this time Benning managed to deal with the danger and clear.

Chances decidedly few and far between at either end. Frustration creeping into The Saddlers' play at times.

As half-time approached, Benning did well to link up with Kieron Morris who in turn found Lalkovic and his effort was saved by Dean Lyness.

Early free-kick for Walsall but Lalkovic's effort hit the defensive wall.

High cross from Lalkovic well claimed by the 'keeper under pressure from Morris.

A burst through the Walsall rear-guard by Robbie Weir saw him denied by a finger-tip save by Richard O'Donnell who push his effort around the post in a one-on-one situation.

Straight away at the other end, Lalkovic rattled the woodwork after Westcarr teed him up.

O'Donnell's clearance seized upon by the home side as the raid ended with Howe hitting the outside of the post.

A foul on Howe by Adam Chambers gave The Brewers a free-kick in a promising position as Matty Palmer's curling effort was well tipped over by O'Donnell. The resulting free-kick caused problems as a niggle crept into the proceedings with Westcarr and Phil Edwards clashing.

There was a change as Flanagan was replaced by Jake Heath.

A marauding run from Kieron Morris ended with him firing over the crossbar.

Sweeping move by The Saddlers as Heath did well, ended with Lalkovic's shot deflected wide of the target. 

A further change saw Morris replaced by Danny Griffiths.

There was a half-chance for Westcarr that he poked wide, whilst Chris Hussey's free-kick went close.

As the clock ticked down, Heath fired over as Walsall searched for an equaliser, but it was not to be.

WALSALL: O'Donnell, Butler, A. Chambers, Mantom, Lalkovic, Westcarr, Downing, Benning, J. Chambers, Flanagan, Morris. Subs: George, Heath, Roberts, Griffiths.