SCUNTHORPE UNITED v WALSALL
THE SADDLERS stepped out at Glanford Park, a happy hunting ground for us in recent years, looking to get our first League win of the season on the board.It was the home side who had the first opening, which was fired well wide, before O'Donnell was alert to clear ahead of Paddy Madden outside his area.
Walsall's first raid saw Anthony Forde heavily involved as he set up Billy Clifford whose strike was blocked. Then Mathieu Manset, on his debut, looked to get through but the 'keeper was out to gather.
There was an enforced change within the opening ten minutes as James Chambers was forced off as Dean Holden took his place in the heart of the back-line.
Some positive play out wide by Bradshaw saw him win a free-kick that was delivered invitingly into the area by Forde and Bradshaw got his head on the ball only to be denied by a smart reaction save from the 'keeper.
At the other end, Madden twisted and turned to make room for a strike that was saved by O'Donnell without too many problems.
Forde was looking lively out wide on the left and he pulled a ball from the by-line to Bradshaw who dug the ball out but was over with his attempt.
Some more trickery from Forde ends with his effort being dragged wide of the target.
There was a second change of the opening period for The Saddlers with five minutes to go until the break as James Baxendale replaced Ashley Grimes.
O'Donnell produced an excellent save to deny Hakeeb Adelakun as the clock ticked down in the first half.
In stoppage time, Baxendale was booked for a late challenge on the edge of the home area.
It was to be the last action as the half ended goalless.
The home side took the lead early in the second period as Hakeeb Adelakun burst through the defence before seeing his strike hit the base of the post and cross the line. Worse was to follow moments later as The Iron doubled their advantage with Gary McSheffrey finding the net to make it 2-0.
The Saddlers were given a lifeline with 20 minutes to go when some hesitation amongst the home defence allowed Bradshaw to get the goal that his effort and endeavour deserved.
Our third change saw Kieron Morris on for Forde and he was straight into the action as he fizzed an effort just wide.
The travelling faithful were in good voice at this stage as the team pressed for a leveller.
A couple of corners in quick succession, the first won by Manset and the second by Baxendale, caused our hosts concern as they held on.
The Iron held on as The Saddler pressed as the scoreline finished 2-1 to the home side.