WALSALL v MK DONS
THE SADDLERS stepped out on a windy afternoon at Banks's Stadium for the visit of MK Dons.There was little to report in the opening exchanges as the rain came down. Izale McLeod had an effort that hit the side-netting on four minutes for the visitors.
With 11 minutes on the clock, Richard O'Donnell saved well to deny McLeod after he got away from Paul Downing and evaded Andy Butler's challenge.
In the 15th minute there was a minute's applause for Kris Taylor as we show our support to the former Saddler who was diagnosed with testicular cancer last week.
Febian Brandy looked to break through, however, David Martin was alert to gather on the edge of his area.
The Saddlers' defence is having to work hard against the blustery conditions during this opening period.
After Lee Hodson had seen a powerful strike flash wide, McLeod gave his side the lead on the half-hour as he lifted the ball home.
As McLeod broke the offside trap, O'Donnell was cool and alert to mop up the danger.
With 42 minutes on the clock, Butler brought down McLeod to concede a penalty. The skipper was sent off as Ben Reeves converted from the spot to make it 2-0.
The last action of the half saw a Westcarr cross met with a Paul Downing header which was saved.
HALF-TIME: Walsall 0 MK Dons 2
The early action of the second half saw Hodson fire wide. Then Samir Carruthers did well to cut inside and get in a strike that was saved.
Some good play from Adam Chambers saw him cross for Westcarr who fired over.
After Sam Mantom curled an effort just wide, Michael Ngoo came on for his Saddlers' debut in the 64th minute to replace Westcarr.
The Saddlers fell 3-0 down with 20 minutes to go when McLeod fired home.
Nicky Featherstone on for Brandy after 77 minutes and shortly afterwards, James McQuilkin takes the place of Sawyers.
There was a late penalty for Walsall as Ngoo was felled and he stepped up only to see David Martin make the save.
FULL-TIME: Walsall 0 MK Dons 3