Brave Walsall went down 3-1 at the Britannia Stadium in the Capital One Cup but not before a brave fight, playing some splendid football which gained praise from Stoke manager Mark Hughes, his players and their fans alike. It was a truely wonderful sight in the second half to see the Saddlers get back into the game at 2-1 with a really well worked goal. Special thanks must be made to the Saddlers travelling army, all 1,534 of them who backed the team loudly for the entire game.
The only difference between the two teams-who let's face it are two divisions apart-was Kenwyne Jones who got his hat trick. There again he did cost the Potters £8 million from Sunderland. Certainly at least two of his goals could have been avoided which was disappointing. Sam Mantom was guilty in the home side's opening goal, attempting a sloppy passback in his own box which Jones intercepted and slotted home. The second came from sloppy marking from a corner and their 2-0 lead looked ominous but to their credit Walsall grabbed a lifeline and got themselves right back in the game when Ashley Hemmings cooly finished off thanks to Nicky Featherstone and Sam Mantom's fine build up work. Hopes were finally dashed when Jones burst through to slot home so Walsall had made many friends on the night even though they didn't progress any further in this cup.
