So near yet so far for The Saddlers... Trophy here in Walsall on Wednesday...
THE SADDLERS have become the latest club to put their skills to the test by taking on the Johnstone’s Paint Pot Challenge.We took on the unique test of accuracy at the training ground in the build-up to Wednesday's Northern Area Quarter-Final clash with Sheffield United.
Ten players from the Walsall squad attempted to chip the ball from the angle of the 18-yard box into a giant inflatable paint pot on the middle of the six-yard line.
The players and staff were joined on the challenge by nursery nurse, Kate Pritchard, a supporter who won the ‘11th player’ competition.
Ten points are awarded for a successful chip-in, with one point accumulated each time the paint pot is struck.
To view the video, please click here.
Sam Mantom, Liam Kinsella, Tom Bradshaw and Anthony Forde scored a point each by hitting the inflatable, giving a total of four points. None of the Walsall squad managed to get a perfect chip in, though there were some very near misses.
Barnsley still lead this season’s competition with an impressive 26 points.
Saddlers' boss, Dean Smith said: “We were delighted to take part in the Johnstone’s Paint Pot Challenge. It’s a tough challenge but a very fun one and the players who took part enjoyed it.
“The lads were disappointed not to get any into the pot, though a few were a bit unlucky, to be fair. It was quite a windy day which made it difficult.”
Nursery nurse Kate, who has been playing football for 18 years and is currently a midfielder for Walsall Ladies FC, narrowly missed out on adding a point to Walsall’s total with her effort.
She said: “I really enjoyed taking part in the Johnstone’s Paint Pot Challenge. Not many people get the opportunity to mingle with the players at training, so that was a fantastic experience.
“I’ve been a Walsall season ticket holder for seven years so it was a dream come true.”
Ben Wilde, brand and sponsorship manager for Johnstone’s Paint, added: “I can’t remember seeing so many near-misses before. On another day Walsall might have scored 30 points or more, but that’s the nature of the Paint Pot Challenge. Barnsley’s score is going to be very tough to beat.
“We look forward to taking the challenge to training grounds around the country as the excitement of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy continues.”
For all the latest information regarding the Johnstone’s Paint Pot Challenge, please click here...
The nearest Johnstone’s Decorating Centre to Banks's Stadium can be found at 34 Queen Street, Walsall WS2 9QD and here between 9.00am and 4.30pm on Wednesday, November 12th, the Johnstone's Paint Trophy will be making a very special appearance! Why not pop along and take a look for yourself?