A Look at Walsall

As high-flying Walsall head to Edgar Street on Saturday - BBC WM's reporter at their last home game - Terry Goodwin - assesses Hereford's next opponents.

There was a slight air of despondency among the Saddlers faithful ahead of the new season. Jimmy Mullen had come in as manager, and despite holding onto Anthony Gerrard, there didn't seem to be a very optimistic feeling about Walsall's chances.

The bookies didn't fancy Walsall to do much either, and their start to the campaign has been pretty hot and cold. On their day, they play good football and can challenge any side in League One, but when they're bad, they're awful. A 2-0 defeat at home against Leyton Orient was probably the lowest point of the campaign so far, but since then, the Saddlers have picked up three wins in a row, in three difficult games.

There was a 3-1 win down at Bristol Rovers, and then an amazing 1-0 win at Brighton. Not that Brighton are particularly strong, but Walsall found themselves down to nine men just after the half-hour mark. Dwayne Mattis got the winner just before half-time, and they held on for a superb victory.

Last Saturday, Walsall took on Carlisle, who were 6th before the game began. From the start, Jimmy Mullen's men took the game to the visitors, and despite the odd nervy moment, never really looked like losing to the Cumbrians. The dominant Clayton Ince in the Saddlers goal saved an early penalty, and it was a surprise it took so long for Walsall to take the lead. They played good football, passed it around well on a pitch that had been heavily watered before kick-off, and had a good understanding and shape. It was Dwayne Mattis, again just before half-time, who put Walsall ahead. On 64 minutes, the lively Jabo Ibehre up-front made it 2-0, and throughout the game he formed a decent partnership with Michael Ricketts, who joined the club in the summer after a loan spell at the Banks' Stadium last season.

Carlisle pulled back a late goal from the penalty spot, but despite their pushing, Walsall were well worth the victory. They will again miss defenders Rhys Weston and Netan Sansara at Hereford as the two serve the second game of their three match bans, but on last Saturday's performance, Walsall won't need them. Jimmy Mullen has brought together a solid squad with a good spirit, and if they can maintain some consistency, they could well be knocking on the door of play-offs once again.

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