Walsall were at home to Rochdale on New Year's Eve but compared to the previous home game to Sheffield Wednesday the performance, like the atmosphere in the stands, was so flat. The pitch didn't help- it was so heavy- but that is no excuse for the lack of shots on target by The Saddlers. It took a while for the game to open up as both sides struggled.
On 12 minutes the visitors tried their luck with one long range shot from Harry Bunn which was blocked by Jimmy Walker in the Walsall goal. Walsall launched a counter attack a minute later with Alex Nicholls shooting just over from an angle. In something of a purple patch Jamie Patterson shot wide then Manny Smith hit the bar with a header.
The second half saw Walsall go into their shell and there was hardly any further serious attempts to break the deadlock. Left winger Nick Adams was a constant threat running at the Walsall defence at will. Dean Smith used up all his substitutes in the second half but it made no difference. At least the point kept Walsall out of the relegation area.
Happy New Year.
