Author: David Evans
With heavy rain in London over Christmas there were doubts that Walsall's game at Leyton Orient would go ahead and it took an early morning pitch inspection to give the game the go-ahead. Saddlers, with back to back holiday wins over Colchester United and MK Dons were looking to make it three wins on the trot. Craig Westcarr had two first half chances to put Walsall ahead including a one-on-one with the goalkeeper from twelve yards out. The player knew he should have scored and took full responsibility for it after the game. Febian Brandy also had a good chance but his header was tipped over the bar.
Orient took the lead on 42 minutes through David Mooney who fought with Andy Butler for the ball and produced a low shot under Aaron Mc Carey. Walsall kept at it however, and got back in the game when Sam Mantom hit a 30 yard beauty. This inspired Walsall and it looked like Saddlers would come away from Brisbane Road with a creditable draw but, not for the first time this season, Walsall conceded a late goal-87 minutes this time- to an effort from Moses Odubajo to have them picking up a 1-2 defeat instead. Very frustrating.
