Walsall welcomed their visitors from Yorkshire for a crucial League One relegation clash… and what a game it turned out to be! A crowd of 5,503 (867 away fans) witnessed a must-win game for both sides. Let the fun begin……
The match started badly for the home team. Firstly, Cook looked very unlucky to receive his marching orders. Then….
GOAL! Doyle scored with Bradford’s first real chance in the 12th minute. Cue mad scenes and an orange smoke bomb in the away end.
Bradford piled on the pressure. Devlin picked up a booking as Walsall defended for their lives. Things were looking bleak for the 10 men…..
GOAL! Edwards superbly created space for Gordon to tuck home just before half-time and the Saddlers went into the break with their tails up.
GOAL! Immediately after the break, Edwards nodded home from a Jarvis header that rebounded back off the bar. The stadium was rocking now. Could Bradford respond?
GOAL! In the 52nd minute, O’Connor poked in an equaliser after a terrific save from Roberts. With over half an hour to go, the game was anybody’s...
GOAL! Gordon scored with a great header from a Leahy corner in the 61st minute to send the home fans into raptures.
The last 25 minutes were a bit of a blur but included great saves from Roberts, fantastic blocks and clearances from Guthrie and Scarr, and the odd chance for Walsall to finish it.
My dad said it was like watching two drunks in a pub brawl. I’ll take his word for that and make a mental note to avoid his local pubs when I’m old enough!
The gaffer looked relieved in the press conference; his first word was “Phew!” He praised his players for coming through "our Cup Final.”
We have 12 more Cup Finals till the end of the season. UTS!!