Our new Going Down The Wednesbury Road feature gives Saddlers fans the chance to share their memories of supporting the club down the years.
In the latest instalment of the feature, Kieran Powell talked through his favourite memories supporting the Saddlers.
What was your first ever game at the Banks's Stadium?
My first game at the Banks’s Stadium was the 1-2 League One loss against Leeds United 18th August 2009. Great atmosphere for my first competitive game for an early season evening game. We held our own against the pre-season favourites who would ultimately end the season with promotion to the Championship.
Sam Parkin’s penalty gave us a lead with not too much time remaining. However Leeds managed to turn the game around in the last 10 minutes to leave with the three points.
Our season was one of consolidation with no real threat of promotion or relegation although we did put in good performances against the likes of Huddersfield Town, Brentford and Leeds away as we finished in 10th place that season.
What is the best game you've seen at the Banks's Stadium?
The best game I have attended at home would be the 3-2 win against Gillingham 31st October 2015. After an extremely positive start to the season we had the opportunity to go top of the table heading into November with a win against a fellow high flyer in the table.
We found ourselves 0-2 down after Bradley Dack coolly slotted home a penalty following a foul by Paul Downing on the attacking midfielder.
But by half time we had pulled ourselves back to 2-2 thanks to quick fire goals by Kieron Morris and Milan Lalkovic. A second half where we pushed on to get the winner gave us our reward in injury time as Rico Henry’s cross was volleyed home by Jason Demetriou in front of the main stand – cue ecstatic celebrations!
Over the years I’ve seen games where we’ve dug in and shown character to get a result, however the manner in how we did it in this game makes it a memorable one for me personally.
Who is the most talented player you've seen at the Banks's Stadium?
Having seen many talented players over the last 12 years it is difficult to narrow it down to one as the most talented.
There would have to be candidates from the 2015/2016 squad however the player I would choose joined the following season. During the two seasons we had Erhun Oztumer, his talent at League One level was obvious.
Reliable yet exciting to watch, Ozzie had excellent vision and work rate and certainly knew how to take a free kick! As a number 10 he was an incredibly effective member of our team so I’d have to say he is the most talented player I’ve seen at the club.
Who is your favourite ever Walsall player?
My favourite player of all time is Jimmy Walker. During his first spell at the club he was immense, and although I never saw him play with my own eyes until his second spell at the club, I recognise how solid he was and what he achieved as our goalkeeper for over a decade. A complete professional with the ability to control the defence and pull off super saves when called upon he is a Walsall legend.