The Saddlers warming up before the match – photo taken by Rebecca Grant
The day started in high spirits. I was optimistic after it was announced yesterday that Jordy Hiwula was to join us for his second loan spell. My Dad and I got to the ground in good timing, and I even treated myself to a Saddlers beanie hat.
Unfortunately the good start did not act as an indicator to how the rest of my day would pan out.
The Saddlers started strong in the first 10 minutes, and we could have been 2-0 up with efforts from Romaine Sawyers and Tom Bradshaw.
Then after 17 minutes of play Barnsley went into the lead with a goal from Ashley Fletcher, who is on loan to the club from Manchester United.
Bradshaw brought the Saddlers level at 1-1 with his first goal in three games. Then there was a slight drama from the ref before half time, who had to be substituted due injury.
The second half, well if I am completely honest I don’t even want to write about it. The only thing that is slightly worth a note is we managed to cope fairly well after Jordan Cook, who came on for Bradshaw, went off injured leaving the side down to 10 men.
Jordan Cook going off injured, leaving Walsall out of subs and down to 10 men – photo taken by Rebecca Grant
Another questionable decision made was to give Sawyers man of the match. For me both Andy Taylor and Adam Chambers ran their hearts out, so I would have given it to one of them. Certainly not the player who helped concede the third goal, and really did not have his best game.
Although the result was not what we wanted, our position in the table is still looking strong for the playoffs. The worry now is if the players and fans have the passion and belief to stay there.
This year at home it seems our star players have lost their spark. Today I felt Bradshaw did not look fit, and Sawyers lacked conviction with his passes. My only hope is that our away form will keeps us in with any chance of promotion.
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