With the Saddlers not in action today after our clash with Salford City was postponed due to a frozen pitch, we take a look back at a memorable encounter from January 2020.
It was Walsall’s first trip to the Peninsula Stadium and it proved to be one to remember for the 1291 fans who made the journey!
The hosts started well and had a couple of opportunities through Jake Jervis and Luke Armstrong, who forced a save out of Liam Roberts.
The Saddlers took the lead when Wes McDonald’s cross was met by Caolan Lavery whose initial attempt was saved but he bundled in the rebound.
Walsall made a bright start to the second half as they looked for a second goal.
It came in the 52nd minute when McDonald’s low cross found Josh Gordon just inside the box who shot first time but his effort was saved. Lavery then stabbed in the rebound but his shot was blocked before Gordon poked the ball home at the third time of asking to put the Saddlers in a commanding position.
Salford responded well and almost equalised when Craig Conway’s goal-bound cross was saved by Roberts.
They eventually pulled a goal back through Brandon Thomas-Asante, now of West Bromwich Albion, who headed in Conway’s dangerous cross.
The Ammies pushed hard for a leveller but found Roberts in inspired form. The Saddlers stopper tipped over Joey Jones’ powerful drive from distance before superbly stopping Cameron Burgess’ header with a fantastic save low to his right to preserve Walsall’s lead and ensure the three points came back to the West Midlands.
Highlights: