Beware of Offers: Burton Albion at Home

Friday Night: 9^th October, 2015

At home

So, this weekend sees another international break … and another enterprising bid by the Saddlers to grab a few more fans (at least for one home game, if not – having been so impressed by what these “first timers/floating fans” have seen on their day – for games for the rest of the season. Reasoning is thus (I guess) local football fans will have their fill of (let’s call it) top level games on TV (England v Estonia on Friday evening for example … and, oh Lithuania versus England on Monday evening) and might just fancy s alive game squeezed in on the usual Saturday. Hence the offer:

Season ticket holders (such as I) can take a “friend for a fiver”. Actually, with the start to the season we are having – and Saturday’s home game pitting – unexpectedly perhaps the top two side in the league against each other (come on: really who would have thought newly promoted Burton Albion would be top, much less that Walsall would have been second by this stage?) Needless to say my brother will benefit from the offer: no problem (except that he’s not a “new” supporter at all) but …

Results in games where these offers have been made are not – generally good for us. And performances at these games, coincidentally I am sure, are poor so far …

… and we will be short of two of the players that are making us so difficult to play against: ironically both are away on international duty. Neil Etheridge is quickly establishing himself as an all action hero: energetic, acrobatic commanding, busy and ever-so-slightly kamikaze at times. He will be getting his forty sixth Phillipino cap while away. Demetriou looks far more at home going forward from right back position than defending at times, but he covers the ground, marks well and gets his body in the way when needed: he has a game for Cyprus to participate in.

In will come, I suppose Craig McGillivray as ‘keeper. Hope he can handle this game. He will undoubtedly develop as a keeper, but needs to build a better understanding with the defence as his style is far more static than Etheridge’s. Communication will be key here.

Talking of offers: apparently Rotherham, having sacked their manager Steve Adams made approaches for both Jimmy Floyd Haisselbaink (burton manager and Dean Smith this past week. Papers and club web-site are saying Smith is too important to let go. Maybe … but er, for how long … and, with his contract up at the end of the season, where do we stand? This could be about how much the board are prepared to pay to keep him. And, though I have had my doubts about his style – should I now adjust that to read “styles” in the light of what we are seeing this time round? – he is proving remarkably successful on an extremely low budget. Rotherham, being in the Championship might have the extra spending power … or what if one of the Premiership clubs comes a-knocking? Money no obstacle?

Brendan Rogers just couldn’t make the grade at Liverpool: sacked already and Dick Advokaat resigned from Sunderland … Tim Sherwood, failing visibly at Aston Villa must be quaking in his boots at the moment. Hey, Villa people keep your thoughts and paws off the Ginger Mourinho.

Last night Northern Ireland qualified for the European Championship finals in France next year with a stirring 3 – 1 win against Greece. Good luck to them and congratulations too.

Tonight I dutifully watched England – looking radiant and a class apart, beat Estonia by two goals to nil at Wembley (still with traces of the American Football markings visible on the field of play (really? No way to wipe these out?) One nil up against an outclassed but determined, well organised side but not inspiring, allowing me to switch to Gardener’s World for half an hour and switch back in time to see Leicester’s Jamie Vardy slip an unselfish pass across for Raheem Stirling to knock in the second (class vision from the just-on substitute).The win puts England into the seeded teams, so we should miss the seriously big teams in the competition in the group games (France, Germany and Italy for example).

Sunday morning, home, 11^th October, 2015

Picked my brother up to go to the game. Cars everywhere, lucky to be able to jam the Vauxhall into a little spot and take the traditional walk. Long queues, even at the collection window so, like any true Walsall fan would I deserted my brother to the queue and went in. His s eat wasn’t necessarily going to be by mine any way …

Good crowd inside, some Bluenoses (Birmingham City fans) in the seats next to ours who proved to be good company (here because of the “international break I guess). Good, noisy contingent from Burton. Game pitting the two top teams against each other with no Championship games must feature heavily in tonight’s Channel Five football programme so masses of TV cameras and OB wagons.

And, from the kick off three things became apparent.

First – and so proud to be able to type this: we were superior and full of pace, passes and width.

Two: Burton are a team who seek to gain any advantage and do not draw the line at cheating, only exacerbated by

… three: one of the worst referees I have ever seen in charge of a professional football game.

The game was always going to be keenly contested. Top of the table clash, why not? We have the best defensive record in all of the top national leagues so far: we have, in fact only conceded six goals in our league! Burton also have not had many put past them. But, above and beyond the simple “man up and play” physical challenges that both teams took on, their players fell over unnecessarily, feigned injury, protested decisions and generally tried to upset the pace and switching of passes (Rico Henry and Liam Kinsella being brilliant runners at the Brewers defence on each wing).

… and the referee fell for far too many of these pantomime tricks too many times.

But it wasn’t enough! Romaine sawyers –once again playing his game-changing passes with sweet touches and marvellous vision made space for our players going forwards. Tom Bradshaw playing his usual strong game up front, drew defenders, creating space and pockets of room for the likes of Kinsella to race into, play a one-two and get a centre in. Usually from the goal line. And we hold the midfield; Reece Flanagan, Chambers and Sam Mantom mastering the flow, the tackles and interceptions and pushing the ball forwards. It is, frankly impressive. Especially when Sawyers and Mantom got the ball to Liam Kinsella, racing into the box to slot a shot into the far side of the net. The possession dominance showed – at last.

… and, if only briefly we are top of the league!

Second half saw more poor refereeing decisions (I am, I hope careful not to criticise referees often: it is one hell of a thankless job and poor decisions will, inevitably be made – it is what makes football what it is of course –)  but this guy ???

He had penalised Rico Henry in the first half and booked him, when there was no genuine offence and the challenges carrying Chambers through three red-blooded tackles were far more deserving of the whistle (and perhaps a card). But in addition to poor decision making the ref was guilty of wasting time – oh so much – talking to offending players: not just once but time after time. Why not just one warning then next time it’s a card?

Brewers proudly came at us in the second half. Good now at coming forwards they threw three men up front. We were a little sloppy at this stage, couldn’t get the ball back and keep it. No pressure from players to make the follow up challenge that would secure the ball and launch a counter attack. Partly because of the Burton players skills no doubt – and they proved skilful, just adept at cheating along with it.

The clock ticking down we began to edge into the play again. Sawyers, still cool, Bradshaw still mobile and Cook coming on, running and harrying. Sam Mantom put through had a perfect opportunity to nail a goal, but er, hey Sam, get some shooting practice in eh – a touch too many and the shot was blocked.

Never mind, Burton were also wasting golden opportunities: at least two.

Then Sawyers flicked an apparently casual ball (he is rarely casual this season!) and got a penalty.

Burton players did their level (and beyond) best to stretch out the time before the kick was taken in the hopes of putting Super Tom off his game. But he just stood there while the childish behaviour was going on , hands on hips, looking at the ground – then stepped up and blasted us into the top spot in the league.

Great game – in which I became outraged, involved and had the sweet satisfaction of seeing my team dig in. play skilfully and beat a dishonest side. And a real advertisement for the high levels of talent, commitment and emotion that goes in this lower league. Next game is at home (Chesterfield) so there is a really good chance some of the “new” fans will be back to see if it happens again.

Top of the league (on goal difference only) but a magical afternoon … and even having my car boxed in couldn’t wipe the smile off my happy little face.

Distracted? After the Event?; Crewe Alexandra at home

Home

Sunday, 27^th September

Have you ever been driving (for example); a routine journey, regular route … and suddenly been aware that you don’t remember the past couple of junctions?

Did you give way at the roundabout?

Were the traffic lights really green back there? Or did some poor, unfortunate innocent soul have to throw out the anchors and take drastic evasive action?

Apparently this happens when your nervous system takes over, taking automatic (autonomic care of all the mundane decisions). It is monitored by other systems, I was told by someone who spoke with authority on the subject, and if anything out of the ordinary occurred you would be immediately switched back in to make unexpected adjustments.

So, I’m driving – usual route to the usual parking space – past Walsall Arboretum, looking quite resplendent now that autumn’s colours are dropping in … past the turn that is signposted “Walsall F.C. Bescot Stadium” and, turning off I notice – for the first time ever that this road is named Alexandra Road. I notice this on the day we are playing Crewe Alexandra: how weird is that?

And Who decided to name the Club Crewe Alexandra? Why? For one of Queen Victoria’s children?

After my rant at the opening of my last post here I was talking about the Chelsea game yesterday, and about Costa’s outrageous behaviour on a field of play I was told that the late Brian Clough (he of Derby County and Nottingham Forest fame – and Leeds United infamy) had once stated (he never suggested as I remember it – and never expected discussion or countering opinions) that yellow cards, bookings, red cards and sendings-off were a nonsense. The solution, he said was when a player misbehaved on the pitch; fine the manager. The managers would then make sure that the fouling and bending of the laws were ended. I like that for an idea.

But Jose “the Special One” Mourinho was fulsome in his praise of Walsall, of the philosophy, of the approach, the style, the skills, particularly o Romaine sawyers – and the missing Tom Bradshaw. We thank him for his grace on this occasion, for his insight and compliments. The cynic inside me, however wants to say that he was chattering way about the Saddlers because he simply did not want to answer the questions he was asked about Costa … but, hey what do I know?

I know that Dean Smith made a lot of the fact that the Chelsea game would not distract us from the league campaign, that he made a bold decision in not starting Bradshaw – who is back in the line-up today. Anything else, let’s see what happens eh?

Well, it happens pretty quickly –and it is marvellous. Crewe let Tom Bradshaw have a free header at a near post corner and, three minutes into the game, the buoyant saddlers fans are happily singing

“We are top of the league, we are top of the league …” and everything is going to be just swell.

 

Until, after seventeen minutes it isn’t. From a free kick Crewe, second from bottom when we kicked off, equalise and go on to give us a few frights.

Etherington in goals – for the first time this season has a few hard, offended, what-was-that? stares at defenders. Sam Mantom is playing in front of the defence and Chambers – who usually looks so comfortable in exactly that position is pushing forwards. It doesn’t work that way round. At least not this afternoon. Mantom looks out of place and off the pace. The sun beams down and we have shot after shot: few of them on target and even fewer challenging the Crewe keeper, until the last wild abandoned scurrying about as we try and grab the winner, when a couple of fierce drives come back off the bar. A couple of professional scouts sitting nearby pass a knowing look between them. One leans over to me:

“Don’t matter what you do,” he sighs, knowingly “you’ll not get another goal this day.”

Dammit; he’s on the money.

True enough perhaps that we weren’t distracted in the lead up to the Chelsea game, but did we just fall for the sucker-trap that comes after the event; believing in the hype that followed. Crewe didn’t look that sound, but at the death nearly got the three points: plucky side (that’s lucky with a p) who need to get a run going.

We just need to win more games at home; but are still second.

The big football news over the weekend has been focussed around Sepp Blatter (the very name sounds like a joke) and the move on Friday by the Swiss attorney general who opened criminal proceedings against Blatter, 79. The ethics committee is already looking into the circumstances of a payment of two million Swiss francs (£1.35m) that Platini received in 2011 for work said to have been carried out more than nine years previously, reported the Press Association.

Blatter, not surprisingly denies wrongdoing. His lawyer says he is co-operating fully.

The ethics committee is looking into the circumstances of a payment of two million Swiss francs (£1.35m) that Platini received in 2011 for work said to have been carried out more than nine years previously, reported the Press Association.

On Saturday evening I began to watch the Rugby Union World Cup pool game between England and Wales at Twickenham. I have neither history in the game nor particular love of the egg-shaped ball and find the rules confusing but I do have a high regard for the way the players respond promptly and obediently when decisions are given. I also like the way the game has seized upon TV replay technology … but for this match there is also the added needle of a “derby game”.

England with superior strength bossed most of the game (mind you I did turn over to watch Dr Who: sorry rugby: loyalty is loyalty after all) and Wales, team undermined by crucial injuries before the competition have several players injured during this game but show remarkable passion and determination and end up as winners. The hopes of England now getting beyond these group stages become suddenly undone. Still in it, but wobbling!

There will be games played at Villa Park, just down the road – and the cash boost to the local economy is said to be in the “millions”.

“That’s Quite a First Forty Five Minutes …”*

 

11^th August.

Upstairs room: home.

My brother is elsewhere, my usual partners in crime in the south west of England or beyond contact: so- a day on the allotment and listening to the radio (BBC WM commentary on Bristol Rovers v Birmingham City Capital One Cup game) with highlights from the Saddlers at Nottingham Forest and Wolves v Newport County games.

Highlights?

Three changes from the team that drew against Oldham in the season’s first game: Lalkovic in the team, Rico henry in the back three and Kieron Morris playing (Romaine sawyers, Andy Taylor and Jordan Cook stepping aside as it were).

Forest are one of the fancied-for-promotion sides in the Championship, but after eleven minutes Bradshaw has put us in front. Great news and before I can take it in he’s only gone and done it again. two nil up; fourteen minutes gone. Who would have thought it? By half time Forest are putting the pressure on; pulling a goal back. But it’s still sounding good!

Sunday’s tour of Buckingham palace was outstanding; side stepping massive queues and leisurely following and audio tour through geography, society and history. So many marvellous impressions of a brilliantly put together stroll through intense changes and modern royalty. I am impressed!

The journey back is through Chelsea (where is Chelsea Football Club?) past Lord’s cricket ground and a glimpse of Brentford’s football ground and the ridiculous pomp of that Wembley Arch – sorry, still can’t see the point of that.

Meanwhile, after the half time chattering with pundits and esteemed guests (mick Kearns always so refreshingly honest about Walsall, even denigrating players and performances at times. Not this time: he’s surprised, proud and, dammit downright impressed. Me too – even at this distance. The commentary game goes on, sounding frankly boring and I get the impression (perhaps a.k.a. bias) that the producers wished they’d plumped for the game at Notts Forest.

Chambers, usually solid and professional is injured, tries to carry on but has to be substituted. Romaine sawyers coming on in his place. This is definitely not a like-for-like substitution: we don’t have anybody like Chambers!

But – and I’ve seen the video Sawyers is starting the season on fire. An eye opener for me! He is ready to take a pop whenever the chance presents itself. Bradshaw fluffs a shot, the ball drops – a long way – for Sawyers and it’s in the net!

I’m sitting here, big smile on my face. And it gets bigger as time passes, passes, passes. Then, whoops Forest have made a substitution and the sub scores. Surely that’ll be it. The game is nearly finished. But – ouch with a capital Oh! That self-same sub scores an equaliser – and we’re bound to be heading for extra time. (it’s a very classy goal actually, spontaneously taken back heel: confident and cheeky … why is this guy only the substitute?)

But as I am beginning to think that BBC will switch to the Forest game for the inevitable extra time:

“there’s a moment of pure drama here. Walsall have been given a penalty … Tom Bradshaw to take it …”

His first ever professional hat trick. Scored the winner in the final seconds of time-added-on.

A stunning result!

I decide there and then to light up the fire-pit outside, sit and watch the sky for the Perseid meteor shower. Pleased and proud. That result shows spirit and attitude. It may not last for long, but I am pleased to be a Saddlers fan at this moment … and I haven’t been to a match yet!

• quote from BBC reporter at half time – and it wasn’t nearly over by then!

Colds and the Cod Army (Fleetwood Away)

Three days after the away match at Fleetwood – a game I would have loved to have gone to by the way – I am beginning to feel human, or as near to it as is possible for a dyed-in-the-wool Saddlers fan.

But Tuesday (remember I wasn’t feeling too good even then) and the shockingly poor show at Shrewsbury made me stop and think. Seriously.  Yes, OK it would have been a new ground to visit (Fleetwood newly promoted to League One at the end of last season and indeed only got League status the season before). But the dreaded ‘lurgy I’m carrying has robbed me of sleep and drained me of energy. I’m constantly coughing – so much so that I don’t even notice I’m doing it any more … and there was the cheese and wine thingy that had to be attended: me being one of the organisers and all. And, did I mention the shocking display against Shrewsbury?

Being something of a man of course I kept thinking I’ll be OK. Just one more night’s sleep – a proper one, like and I’ll be fine. But nagging away in the back of whatever grey matter I might possess was the fact that I needed – for every good reason under the sun – to get to a funeral on Monday afternoon. Stewart Staples. Long time friend. Long time Walsall fan. Long time good guy.

So, when on Saturday morning I wasn’t up and about leaping impatiently I decided (finally!) to get some medical advice. The Lem-Sips had failed, the Strepsils hadn’t touched it, new politically correct Benylin (non-drowsy) failed  – and I even heard myself telling the on-duty pharmacist I would not be trying the (old-fashioned “do not operate machines after taking this as you may be affected by drowsiness”) Benylin.

So I rang 111. Busy … “to use  ring back please press 5 …”

Which I did. One hour later and no response. I tried again. and again. then I listened on after I had pressed the numeral 5 to hear  a message “this service does not use ringback …”

Eventually I got through. Answered some interesting but largely irrelevant questions: a flow chart I imagine … if the patient answers yes then ask …

I waited for the service to ring me back with a considered opinion.

They did. I should attend my doctor’s out of hours surgery based at Walsall Manor Hospital.

Parking was free. Waiting was fairly endless. Triaged after an hour and a half, sitting with various other patients watching mind-numbing TV showing the qualifying routines of the final Formula One race of the season. Lewis Hamilton, driving a Mercedes, would have the championship wrapped up. But in this last race – for some reason which I have no doubt is to do with money, this last race has double points – and he might not win it after all. I am no fan of Formula One. It is not a race in the way that I understand racing to be. Rather a succession of queues and overtaking while in the pits – or penalty times added on to finishing times.

 

 

Anyway, the wait gave me chance to read on the book for Reading Group: And Then We Came to the End (Joshua Ferris). And people watch. Unfairly – for me – a lot of people waiting to be seen were being diverted from the Accident and Emergency department. Including one guy in a wheelchair. The ambulance drivers checked him in. I know they did. I watched them do it. Then left him. Forty five minutes later the receptionist noticed he had a canula in his hand and gave him some kind of mild third degree. Fair enough, he had turned around to watch the rugby game that followed the F1 revealing his hand perhaps for the first time. Half an hour after that when it was finally his turn to be seen he was asked if he could “walk through”, which he couldn’t and told that, in that case he could not be admitted.  I lost track of the time, lost track of the plot and finally got told that I had a viral infection. That it would clear itself up. That I could help only by taking painkillers.

The wait had been instructive as it was frustrating. I had a chance to observe the very worst of the NHS. Operating incredibly inefficiently while trying to do the best for everyone. It is not working!

But, by the time I reached home the game was at half time, the radio announced. And Walsall one goal up! Romaine Sawyers! Walsall dominating the play! This is the topsy-turvy world of being a Walsall supporter: losing against lower league opposition and performing dismally one day – and within he week threatening to end a nine month home unbeaten run of a very successful team like Fleetwood. Fleetwood is in Lancashire and they are known as the Fishermen (their fans the Cod Army apparently). Their home ground is Highbury (the same name as Arsenal’s former ground). I kept an ear open with the radio blasting away, but when the regular interview with Dean Smith came on I drifted off to sleep (sorry Dean). But that’s a good win. When I later watch the goal on You-Tube (courtesy of Sky Sports) – the highlights are about ninety seconds – we do look good. The goal comes from good forward play, Cook in the middle holding up the ball which runs loose for Sawyers to knock it into the net. Actually it looks as if he doesn’t hit it cleanly – but, hey I’ll take any goal that gets us points and position.

Next week we are away at Coventry City. Will I be recovered by then? I certainly hope so; this has been dogging me for long enough thank you.

Also worthy of note: England ladies Football team made their Wembley debut, losing to Germany. Shameful that they haven’t played at Wembley before!

[H1]

Some Journeys Are Sad Ones

So the visit to Estonia gets closer. Put into perspective by the F.A. Cup draw that has us at home to League Two Shrewsbury on the Saturday. (Shrewsbury who narrowly lost to Chelsea in the League Cup competition and are making a name for themselves under new manager Micky Mellon … and are also the club we got new crowd=pleaser Tom Bradshaw from during the close season). And there was me hoping for an away tie (against some easy-to-beat (the way we are playing at the moment it’s not easy to name such a team) lowly opposition with aground a long way from home. Which would mean I couldn’t possibly get there, we’d get through to the next round and I would be able to see an amazing Cup run (and not feel even vaguely guilty about the maybe-frivolous trip to Tallinn)

Because of the trip we had arranged our annual bonfire night a week earlier (also because other family members were available too on the Sunday) and I have spent some time this week preparing the site and the fuel (hedge cuttings and collected windfall logs) as well as paper and cardboard to get it lit.

Big world news is that Virgin Galactic’’s bid to get space tourism “off the ground” met a setback when the latest test flight ended in disaster with a test pilot 39-year-old Michael Alsbury, killed and the other pilot, Peter Siebold, 43, injured after ejecting clear. There are reports, almost inevitability of technical issues. But this is the sometimes-grim reality of pushing the frontiers of knowledge. It comes at a price. But, being inquisitive as a species we move forwards. No doubt this “space tourism” will initially benefit the rich. But beyond that, as today’s cutting edge becomes mainstream – who knows?

 

India, meanwhile is being criticized for its own space program when a large portion of the population cannot attain simple basic hygiene standards.

And more locally an explosion in a fireworks factory/outlet on the outskirts of Stafford left two (unidentified in early reports) people dead.

On Friday evening I had a ‘phone call from Andy. He would pick me up, we’d trek over to Notts County in some style, have a meal and a beer and see the game.

He arrived, as promised at around midday: a lovely warm day, good to travel along reasonably familiar roads. A reminder of the trip last year, when we were on a great run and came away five one winners. Quite different this time round. County having gone eleven games without losing and us? Hmmm?

But, somewhere on the way my ‘phone went. It was embedded in an autumn-coat pocket in the back of the car. I considered not answering. But, honestly: for people to ring me usually means an emergency. So I fished around, and answered.

The next few moments were shocking!

A long-time friend, family man, going to buy fireworks had been identified as one of those killed in the Stafford fire. Not only a friend, but a long-time Saddlers supporter who has shared, over the years in the journeys, ups and downs of football. And our annual bonfires! And the memories skittled by. Andy too was upset.

I may write more about this in another post. There is so much more to tell; suffice it for now to say that changed the mood; although I guess I actually didn’t take it in properly.

We found the same pub/restaurant we parked in last year. The Riverside right on the River Trent, close to both Notts County and Nottingham Forest grounds. Still decked out with Hallowe’en fripperies. We discussed horror movies (classic and modern) and the traditions of Hallowe’en for a few minutes, then ordered fish and chips. Honestly? Over-priced and the fish was too wet to taste. But we were able to use the car park and it was food. And the beer was tasty (Indian Pale Ale for me.)

Getting darker by the time we set out to walk around three sides of the ground and, despite a small panic I did have enough to pay to get in.

Very sophisticated ticket. Seat number and all, but once past the noisy, beer drinking Walsall fans around the bar the stewards said predictably perhaps:

“Sit where you like, the numbers mean nothing.”

A good following from Walsall, but a large section of the ground was roped off and it seemed like a small home crowd. We got seats with a good view … and chatted with the steward. Certainly the friendliest stewards I have come across this season so far. About club histories, about Nottingham Forest “taking away a generation of fans”, about the game last season.

Walsall went off fast! Pressing forwards. Tom Bradshaw on his own up front. Antony Forde keeping his place and Romaine Sawyers in midfield. Some fine Saddlers attacking moves seemed to surprise and shake County, though they had their own raids. But our passing play looked smoother and more confident.

At the back Ben Purkiss seems to be fit and match fit again. he made some good interceptions, covering tackles and got forward effectively too. Andy Taylor steady as always opposite him on the left. O’Donnell also made some good saves early on. This built his confidence as the game went on. Some fine refereeing when tackles became ragged. The referee calling offenders and captains together for a word. It worked.

We took the lead deservedly. Jordan Cook and Sawyers combined to end a move with Cook having a deflected shot hit the inside of the County post and dribble over the goal line.

County then moved up a gear. Long runs from mid-field, mostly unchallenged. Long shots. But a slip up had a long angled cross finding the striker who headed a good goal past O’Donnell.

Disappointing but perhaps inevitable. We were giving up too much ground and our forward moves slowed down. Often with Sawyers, undoubtedly a talented player taking too long on the ball or trying for the complicated pass, back-heel or lay off. Sometimes the simple thing is the right thing.

By half time it was getting cold. There was a spirited kids game going on below us at half time, some very accomplished moves and five goals!

Second half kicked off and the Walsall team were revitalised. Taking control of the game as they had done at the start of the first half.

With so much pressure and surviving a few counter attacks thanks to superb agility from Richard O’Donnell we were awarded a free kick when a central defender reached up and pulled the ball down. Walsall appealed for a penalty and the referee, again doing the correct thing, consulted with the assistant ref – and gave the penalty.

Tom Bradshaw struck it brilliantly and it went, like a crossbow bolt into the back of the net. His celebrations and the response of the travelling fans was marvellous. Oh and no booking for celebrating the goal so joyously.

 

Manset came on with a little time remaining but had no chance to show his real skills: tripping when chasing a ball, recovering well, but fluffing the pass when another goal looked likely.

On the final whistle, shoulders down he sloped off towards the tunnel while the rest of the team came over to show their appreciation for our support. Wisely somebody sent Manset over. It was a wonderful moment. No doubt the support helps the team out – these moments after games show they understand that.

In the dark skies on the quiet journey home fireworks were flashing and waking up sadness.

Poppies and Chesterfield.

 Began the day attacking the Leylandii hedge at the front of the house. It’s really difficult to imagine that the four trees we’re taking down were scrounged from a garden centre skip. But it seems their time has come – and the trimmings are headed for the family bonfire. The rain stays away and it’s windy but not cold. The drive to Bescot takes me along roads that are edged with autumn leaves swept from the trees by the very strong winds of the week. Golds, ochres, yellows, browns and reds.

There are a lot of fans from Chesterfield. They are having a good run having been promoted from League Two last season and riding the mid-table positions well (tenth at start of play today). They fill a fair section of the away end – and they create some noise!

The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal was launched last week and the display at the Tower of London is looking amazing: one poppy for every British serviceman killed during the First World War I think. Its memorable and spectacular. Funds from the sale of poppies goes to help wounded soldiers and their families. Collectors were outside the ground today – I salute them.

This home game was also chosen as the “Kick It Out” match for Saddlers. This raises awareness of racial discrimination at football grounds. It should go without saying – of course – and such events should not be necessary – but the world, unfortunately is what it is and people need reminding. Good that football is playing a part in the campaign.

We have some good news: Tom Bradbury, whose endeavour and energy have impressed me, is back from a hamstring injury –and last year’s Player of the Season, Sam Mantom is fit to return.

Bradbury is our only player to look and act like a striker so far this year. He has a turn of speed, a physical presence and a good eye for goal (five gaols to his name at the kick off). Will there be some kind of up-front partnership with Jordan Cook (who should be match fit after a couple of games in the first team?

No! We are playing four at the back (Richard O’Donnell in goals was formerly at Chesterfield), Chambers as holding midfielder , then Sawyers, Cain, Baxendale and Cook behind Bradbury.

Chesterfield are fast out of the blocks. They confidently and quickly press up the pitch. Our defenders deal well with the pressure when exposed. Purkiss is looking smooth at right back, especially with Andy Taylor opposite him on the left. (Programme notes talk about the wonderful partnership between Mick Evans and Frank Gregg back in the day.

O’Donnell needs to be quick to make saves, but we begin to create chances as play see-saws up and down the pitch. Downing makes a few careless mistakes, giving the ball away needlessly. But is covered effectively.  

Purkiss and Taylor raid effectively down the wings, Sawyers is good at close control but must move towards the ball more often: he’s losing the ball when faster players read the game and nip in first… and Chesterfield are good at this. Bradbury covers all of the forward line, keeping all four defenders busy. But, in doing this he inevitably runs into dead ends and we are short of somebody nipping into the hole in the middle. Sawyers? Manset (on the bench)? Cook?

At half time some servicemen veterans are welcomed onto the field as part of the Poppy Appeal launch. A good community thing to do. Well done my team!

We are not down-hearted at half time. Inside for a quick coffee, we talked about the visit to Tallinn, families, work and a possible trip to Notts County next week. Then back out again for a better second half. Baxendale replaced by Forde after fifty eight minutes and it made the difference. He is quick, confident and his runs effective, taking the initiative and defenders out of the game. A quick bout of inter-passing involving him, Cain, sawyers and Bradbury ended with a beautiful ball laid into Bradbury’s feet – and he made no mistake.  Goal – and a well-worked one too. The Walsall crowd were delighted. So was Bradbury, mobbed by players on the goal line he was booked. I am surprised. Why was he booked? He didn’t leave the pitch. Didn’t jump into the crowd.

We wondered whether he had made some sarcastic remark to the referee who had failed to give Bradbury any of the free-kicks when fouled, tripped, pushed or knocked off the ball by defenders.

Sawyers later got a free kick with a super piece of skill; the ball long gone from the back of his heel before a surprised defender took both of his feet away. Sam Mantom comes on. he looks a little off the pace – no surprises there but is influential in keeping things calm. Would have been a shock if, after all the waiting and build up our talismanic midfielder brought us no good.

Chesterfield players seemed to lose a bit of heart, began arguing with one another (two of their forwards did this in the first half when one fluffed a good chance – and seemed to want the other, running off the ball for him, to take the blame). But, never a team to make it easy on the fans some slack defending gives Chesterfield a couple of great chances. They miss.

A couple of people sitting to my right were taking copious notes: one I seem to think is a journalist. He upped and left with ten minutes to go, but was soon back with a steward; he couldn’t find his car keys. They were not anywhere near where he had been sitting.

Then the whistle was going and I was on my happy way to the car. To be met with the almost incredible sporting news that Birmingham City – who sacked manager Lee Clark this week – lost at home to Bournemouth 8 – 0. Eight, count ‘em, nil!

At home I find an amusing Tweet from a Saddlers fan which goes something like

“Saw a Birmingham City fan nail his season ticket to a tree and walk away. Took it: you can never have too many nails!”

The first round of the F.A. Cup is drawn on Monday. All being well I will be in Tallinn, but it’ll be interesting to see who we get.

What a difference a win makes … and I expect Dean Smith is feeling a little more relaxed too… and the clocks “fall” back overnight.

Images: Tower of London: Stoke Sentinel

Sawyers/Bradbury: http://www.fiveyearplanfanzine.co.uk

Match action: Walsall Advertiser