Larry Harris' match report...
This was Walsall’s 13th league game and most people think that 13 is an unlucky number.It was certainly unlucky for Walsall on Saturday because they lost 2-1 to Chesterfield.
Chesterfield had four familiar players; Chris Herd (Ex Villa), Ian Evatt (Ex Blackpool), Lee Novak (on loan from Blues) and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (ex Wolves).
They took the lead in the first five minutes through a Sylvan Ebanks-Blake header from a long range cross.
After about 20 minutes Walsall were getting the better of Chesterfield.
They came close with shots by Henry, Bradshaw and Mantom.
The move which saw Bradshaw’s shot saved involved Downing and Demetriou and was Walsall at their best.
Mantom’s shot was pushed on to the post and was set up by a great flick by Sawyers.
At half-time Walsall were on top and we expected them to score in the second half. Jordan Cook replaced Reece Flanagan at half-time.
At the start of the second half, Walsall came close when a shot by captain Adam Chambers deflected onto the post.
Unlucky 13 was coming true – especially when Neil Etheridge got injured after clashing with Ebanks-Blake.
From the corner Ian Evatt headed in the second goal.
Dean Smith brought on Lalkovic and Morris to try and score.
He changed the formation throughout the second half.
However, it just didn’t work.
In the dying moments of the game Matt Preston scored his first goal in his first league One start.
It will be a worry for Walsall as the injury list is growing with Mantom and Etheridge suffering injuries which may keep them out for Tuesday against Barnsley.
It’s still been a good start to the season and we are second in the league.
Let’s hope we can clinch promotion to the championship and beat Blues and Wolves twice next season.