Author: David Evans
Walsall's fine five game unbeaten run came to a perhaps inevitable end at Stevenage on Tuesday. It was always going to be hard to combat Stevenage's style. They are big, awkward and do their best to rile teams and not let them play. This proved to be the case on the night. Unchanged again following the excellent win at Portsmouth, Walsall took a long time to get going and were denied their usual passing game style for about the first half hour as the home side out-muscled Sadlers who had no protection at all from the referee. Stevenage had won a couple of corners, one which Andy Butler had to head clear,but no efforts on target when they took the lead. The goal was scored by Robin Shroot, a forward whom Walsall had on loan a few seasons ago. He twisted and turned and produced a shot which curled just inside the post giving David Grof no chance. Walsall recovered a litlte before half time and produced one shot on target and also hit the post with a free kick.Stevenage were looking dangerous on the break and Walsall were happy to go in at half time just a goal down.
The second half started in similar fashion with Walsall finding it hard going to get started. Then Dean Smith pulled on Will Grigg and he won a corner with his first touch of the ball. From this Walsall scored with George Bowerman heading home a fine goal. This inspired The Saddlers who had a 15 minute purple patch where they looked really good and were looking to take the lead. Just when it looked as though Walsall would get at least a draw Stevenage regained the lead. On 73 minutes Tansey hit a 30 yarder that sailed into the net. Bowerman had a good chance but shot at the keeper. Walsall kept plugging away but just before the end went 1-3 behind when Akins netted from close range. So a setback but a home game on Preston to look forward to and should be a good contest.
