Ryan Pratt recalls past Saddlers matches and looks back at other footballing events on this day...
Memorable Match
1998 - Walsall 1-0 Preston
The start of the 1998/99 season heralded a new era for the club as Ray Graydon took charge following Jan Sorensen’s departure. His team made a solid start to the campaign with the Saddlers picking up seven wins out of nine before October. On this day, Walsall met a Preston side looking to forge a winning run, having not lost for over a month in the league.
Prolific forward Andy Rammell opened the scoring 16 minutes in with his eighth goal in ten games. Rammell’s finish was the difference between the two sides, despite referee Rob Styles dismissing Preston’s Mike Jackson and Walsall’s Jason Brissett for offences in the last five minutes of normal time.
Nevertheless, Walsall prevailed, adding another three points to their tally as they looked to make an outside challenge for an automatic promotion place. The Saddlers would meet the Lilywhites again on two occasions during the season at Deepdale, falling to Preston in the FA Cup as well as in the reverse league fixture.
Walsall Team: Walker, Pointon, Viveash, Green, Marsh (Gadsby), Wrack, Keates, Brissett, Larusson, Simpson, Rammell (Watson).
Other fixtures on this day…
2015 - Wigan Athletic 0-0 Walsall
Will Grigg was not on fire in this tie as his hot form was extinguished by Walsall’s back four as the Saddlers picked up a valuable point on the road.
2009 - Walsall 2-2 Carlisle United
The Saddlers were denied a win in the 90th minute thanks to a goal from defender Richard Keogh, who stabbed the ball home.
1993 - Walsall 3-3 Hereford United
Unreal scenes at the Bescot in this six-goal thriller. A strike from Kyle Lightbourne and two goals from Evran Wright weren’t enough to punish a struggling Hereford United side.
1987 - Walsall 1-0 Preston
One goal decided this match-up in Walsall’s favour and also signalled the start of an impressive unbeaten run of form at Fellows Park.
Footballing events on this day…
1974
With an astonishing 1,154 goals in all competitions, 114 caps for the Brazil national team and three World Cup winners medals, Pele hung up his boots and retired from the beautiful game.
1981
Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates his 36th birthday today. The outspoken striker has netted over 450 goals for club and his native country Sweden.
1999
Gus Poyet’s goal after 27 seconds inspired Chelsea to an impressive 5-0 win over rivals Manchester United.
2007
Mario Balotelli’s late spot-kick earned Manchester City a point against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
2010
Blackpool stunned Liverpool at Anfield, winning 2-1 victory thanks to first-half goals from Charlie Adam and Luke Varney.