Woeful Walsall

Wednesday, 01/09/2010

by Shoot's Walsall blogger, Ben Lowe.

One month in and my team’s start to the season hasn’t been particularly positive.

Two wins sandwiched between four defeats, which include first round exits from the Carling Cup and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in front of the home faithful, isn’t good enough in my opinion.

Unfortunately we couldn’t make it nine points from a possible nine at Brighton last weekend, which would’ve lifted us into the play-offs and given sceptical supporters a nose bleed.

We played well in the first half but two Seagull strikes and an early dip in the sea for Alex Nicholls (the first red of his career) meant fellow front man Jon Macken’s delightful debut goal in stoppage-time was only a consolation.

We had a wonderful opportunity to wrap up August with a win against Chesterfield at Bescot last night, but instead we fell at the first hurdle of the JPT.

I’m really angry about this. We’ve been knocked out of the competition by lower league opposition for the third year running, which is frustrating for fans because it’s our only realistic chance of playing at Wembley for the first time in our history.

On the subject of history, last night’s woeful attendance (1,793) was the lowest gate since the stadium opened 20 years ago! And, after another uninspiring performance, who can blame the absentees for staying at home?

Recent loan signing Reuben Reid got his name on the scoresheet again – that’s two goals in as many home games – and he’s been brilliant so far. Macken made his full debut last night and hopefully these new boys can deliver the goods up front.

They’re class acts at our level, so if they can form a goalscoring partnership Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke would be proud of I’d be one very happy Saddler! Although, let’s face it, if they did that I’m sure they’d both be off in the January transfer window.

Looking at our September fixtures (Colchester, Rochdale, Swindon, Hartlepool and Leyton Orient), it’s only the visit of Danny Wilson’s Robins which I’m not relishing.

Anything less than 10 points won’t be acceptable, but I think double figures is an achievable target despite our mediocre start.

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