PORT VALE v WALSALL
THE SADDLERS stepped out for our second visit of the season to Vale Park, this time with important League points on the agenda against a side that went into the game two places and two points below us in the table.The best chance of the opening ten minutes fell to the home side when Tom Pope's through-ball split open the Walsall defence to find Chris Birchall whose lob landed just over.
At the other end, a positive break by Romaine Sawyers ended with his low effort being saved by the 'keeper.
Some determined play from Michael Ngoo saw his first effort blocked and then his second attempt saved as The Saddlers started to see more of the ball in attacking positions.
There was a good opportunity out wide for The Valiants after Myrie-Williams did well out wide and as the ball was played in to Doug Loft, he fired inches over.
A neat passage of play from The Saddlers ended with James Chambers' cross just evading Febian Brandy who attempted an overhead-kick.
Plenty of effort and endeavour as the half went on but neither 'keeper seriously tested.
After a free-kick from Andy Taylor was curled into the area and claimed by the 'keeper, at the other end, O'Donnell blocked from Gavin Tomlin.
The half-time whistle saw both teams go in level.
HALF-TIME: Port Vale 0 Walsall 0
The Saddlers started the second period with purpose as Andy Taylor's free-kick caused problems and the resulting corner was cleared.
It was the home side who took the lead when a foul by Paul Downing gave Vale a penalty which was fired home powerfully by Jennison Myrie Williams.
There was a double change as Milan Lalkovic and Amadou Bakayoko replaced Brandy and Ngoo. For Bakayoko it was his senior debut after impressing for the youth and reserve teams.
It was certainly a lively introduction from Lalkovic who forced a save from the 'keeper before causing more problems in the next raid.
As the game opened up, O'Donnell saved well to deny Doug Loft before Bakayoko shot tamely at the other end.
There was another chance for Bakayoko as Carl Dickinson defended well.
The third change for The Saddlers came when Baxendale was replaced by Troy Hewitt.
The Saddlers pushing forwards but the ball not falling for us as the home side defend for their lives.
Shouts for a penalty as Andy Butler goes down inside the area in stoppage time, nothing given.
Everyone went up for a late corner but to no avail as the home side won it thanks to a penalty.
FULL-TIME: Port Vale 1 Walsall 0