Walsall put up a great fight at Stevenage to come back with a hard-won point in the goal less draw and although it wasn't pretty, it was a good afternoon's work against a team so hard to break down packed with giants. It was an historic first meeting between the clubs on a windswept afternoon in Hertfordshire. Luke Freeman, making his debut for the home side on loan from Arsenal, looked lively and early on and tried his luck with a shot which produced a fine save from Jimmy Walker.
Walsall's best chance in the first half came on the half hour mark when Richard Taundry's corner was only half cleared and midfielder Adam Chambers produced a terrific shot which the home keeper Chris Day had to get down low to keep out. Sixty seconds later it was Stevenage who came close when Mike Bostwick lined one up which again tested Jimmy Walker.
The second half saw Will Grigg replaced by George Bowerman. On 69 minutes there was a great chance for Jon Macken but blasted over the bar from about ten yards out. Lee Beevers and Mat Sadler got through a mountain of work to stop their wing play and Manny Smith and Ollie Lancashire were a tower of strength in the centre back positions. Walsall soaked up all that was thrown at them and got the draw they deserve
