BRADFORD CITY v WALSALL
THE SADDLERS returned to our travels with a trip to Bradford City, a side who were also feeding off a buzz from their Cup exploits.
On a difficult surface, Walsall looked solid and well-organised during the first half, as has been the case on our travels for much of the season.
We played some decent at football at times with an early opportunity for Anthony Forde, which he poked wide from close range after being set up by a positive run from Jordy Hiwula.
It proved to be our best chance of the opening period, whilst at the other end, we defended well and Richard O’Donnell was rarely troubled as both teams went in to the break with the scoreline locked at 0-0.
It was the home side who took the lead early in the second half when Billy Clarke’s low strike found its way home from distance.
The goal came somewhat out of the blue, but The Saddlers responded well as we looked to get back on level terms.
A free-kick in a promising position just outside the area was dragged wide by Forde then Michael Cain let fly from distance but his effort sailed well over.
There was a double change for The Saddlers with just under 20 minutes to as Andy Taylor and Romaine Sawyers were replaced by Rico Henry and Ashley Grimes respectively.
The Saddlers back on level terms when some neat play on the left saw the ball crossed over by Jordan Cook and it found Jordy Hiwula at the far post and he made no mistake to make it 1-1.
The goalscorer was then booked for a foul from behind on half-way.
Some resolute defending denied the home side as Ben Purkiss cleared long as Zoko found himself with a chance in front of goal.
There was some good play from Walsall as Forde and Purkiss linked up well to force a corner, which came to nothing, before Forde cut inside only for his strike to be blocked.
With three minutes to go, a free-kick in a dangerous position for The Bantams hit the wall and as the ball stayed alive, O’Donnell saved well from a low strike.
A late change saw James Baxendale replace Jordan Cook.
The final whistle signalled honours even in a 1-1 draw as our unbeaten away League run continues.