Debut goal for hard-working front-man...
NEW BOY, Tom Bradshaw, says he is ‘over the moon’ after opening his goalscoring account in our opening day draw with Port Vale.The 22 year-old raced onto a pass from Ashley Grimes before cooly lifting the ball over the onrushing Sam Johnson to get Walsall back on level terms.
“It was a little frustrating being on top and not being able to convert our possession into goals,” he said. “So when the chance finally came, it was a brilliant feeling to see it go in and get the clubs first goal of the season.“
Tom Pope had put the hosts ahead on 25 minutes but after Bradshaw’s 59th minute leveler, The Saddlers looked the more likely to claim all three points.
“The team spirit we’ve got in the changing room is first class,” he added. “I think that showed on the pitch and even after they scored I felt we were on top and a goal was coming.
“Once we got one back we kicked on again and had the upper had for the rest of the game.
“On another day we go on to find a winner but it wasn’t to be. I think we deserved to get the win on the balance of play.”
Over 1,100 traveling fans applauded Bradshaw off the pitch after he was substituted in the second half and the clubs large away following surprised the former Shrewsbury man.
“That’s the most [away fans] I’ve ever seen at Vale Park. It was very impressive looking up into the stands and seeing all those supporters.
“I said to the lads when I came off, I didn’t realise just how many there was until I stopped and looked. I was quite taken aback and the reception I got when I was taken off was hugely appreciated.”
We would like to apologise for the lack of live commentary on Saddlers Player at the weekend after Port Vale failed in their obligation to provide us with a working ISDN line. Fear not, as we will be broadcasting live and direct from Southend United in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday evening...