We are in round four for the first time since 2006...
Ahead of our FA Cup clash with Reading this weekend, we take a look back at the Saddlers' last five fourth-round ties...28th January 2006 – Stoke 2-1 Walsall
The Saddlers last reached the FA Cup fourth round in 2006, when we lost to then-Championship side Stoke. Mamady Sidibe’s 12-yard strike put the Potters ahead on the stroke of half-time and Luke Chadwick’s fierce shot doubled their advantage shortly after the restart. A Kevin James tap-in gave Walsall hope and Alex Nicholls (pictured below) went mightily close to forcing a replay when his left-footed drive struck the post.
25th January 2003 – Walsall 1-0 Wimbledon
David Zdrilic’s late winner booked Walsall’s place in the fifth round after a narrow victory over the 1988 FA Cup winners Wimbledon. Chances were few and far between in an evenly-contested tie. Wimbledon’s Gareth Ainsworth had penalty appeals waved away, while Darren Wrack and Zigor Aranalde were each denied by visiting keeper Kelvin Davis. But Walsall secured victory with 15 minutes remaining, when ex-Australian international Zdrilic drove home Jorge Leitao’s cross.
26th January 2002 – Charlton 1-2 Walsall
Jorge Leitao’s brace gave the Division One Saddlers a shock victory at Premier League Charlton in Colin Lee’s first match as Walsall manager. Lee’s men took the lead inside five minutes, when Leitao (pictured below) curled a delightful 25-yard shot into the top corner. The fans’ favourite rounded Charlton keeper Dean Kiely to make it 2-0 on 59 minutes, and Walsall stopper Jimmy Walker then saved a Graham Stuart penalty to preserve our advantage. Stuart did halve the deficit moments later, but the Saddlers hung on for a deserved win.
24th January 1998 – Man Utd 5-1 Walsall
Roger Boli scored Walsall’s consolation goal on a day when Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United ultimately proved too strong. Two goals apiece from Andy Cole and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gave the reigning Premier League champions a 4-0 lead after 69 minutes. Boli pulled one back – to the delight of the 8,500 Walsall supporters at Old Trafford – but Ronny Johnsen rounded off a comprehensive United win late on.
13th February 1996 – Ipswich 1-0 Walsall
Paul Mason netted the only goal as Walsall’s brave FA Cup adventure came to an end. The Saddlers, managed by Chris Nicholl (pictured below), were in round four for the first time since the 1986/87 campaign following victories over Burnley, Torquay and Wigan in the previous rounds. But despite producing a battling performance, Walsall were undone by Mason’s solitary strike as second-tier Ipswich advanced to the next stage.
Today is the final day to purchase your Reading tickets from the Banks's Stadium ticket office.
Tickets will be available at Reading on the day of the game but there will be a price increase of £5 for adults and £3 for seniors, young persons and juniors.