Scotia Smith's match report from Walsall 1-2 Wigan...
On a wet and windy day, the Saddlers are up against the in-form Wigan. It’s a top of the table clash, with both teams high in the league. There are lots of away fans (1799) cheering very loudly in a crowd of 6740.Walsall kick-off and shortly after, Wigan have the first shot of the game. After this, there isn’t much action except for bookings for Lalkovic (dive) and Mantom (foul).
Wigan is flying high and is shooting on sight. After half an hour, their shot count is four to Walsall’s depressing none.
As half-time approaches, the score line doesn’t look like changing any time soon. Then, out of the blue, in the 38th minute, Wigan’s Conor McAleny scores a long-range ‘worldie’. Their fans are literally jumping for joy.
Wigan’s tails are up now and they have two more good efforts on goal. Walsall seems to be losing confidence as the ref plays three minutes’ injury time.
Walsall starts the second half on the front foot. Whatever the manager said to them at half time seems to be working. Lalkovic has an effort that goes just wide.
In the 67th minute, Walsall gets a free kick which Demetriou blasts into the wall. Mantom then curls the rebound into the top corner. What an amazing strike!
The home team is really going for it now. Forde, Lalkovic and Forde again have excellent attempts at a winner.
Wigan then bring on fresh blood up front and one of the subs, Wildschut, scores the deciding goal from outside the box in the 89th minute.
A heartbreaking defeat!
Thank you for reading my match report. I really enjoyed writing it!