Reflections from Yesterday at Walsall

It's probable that Graham Turner would have taken a point before the start of yesterday's game at the Banks Stadium. This morning he may be reflecting that his side were close to taking all three.

Had the Bulls had been awarded a penalty in the first half, when Andy Williams appeared to have been caught by goalkeeper Clayton Ince, and then converted it, the result might have been different.

The incident occured at the wrong end of the pitch for the travelling support to be certain what happened. Only a video replay will tell whether the referee made the correct decision.

The stats showed that Walsall were penalised 21 times for fouls during the game. Several times Matt Done was brought down whilst charging down the left wing in the second half but only once did he win a free kick. Having said that Done did 'win' the Bulls a penalty when he was clipped by Mark Bradley.

Once again in general there was excellent travelling support for the Bulls with 899 said to be in the away end. However it was thought by some that the abuse given to right back Richard Rose by some fans was over the top. Rose didn't have a good game but getting on his back every time he made a mistake was unlikely to have helped him.

Rose was given a hard time by young Walsall winger Sofiene Zaaboub who, particularily in the first half, got past the defender with relative ease. It was similar to last Saturday at Edgar Street when Lionel Ainsworth gave the Oldham left back a torrid time. The problem for Graham Turner was whether to bring on Richard Jackson for Rose. However Jackson isn't known for his pace and, for whatever reason, Turner kept Rose on the pitch for the full ninety minutes.

Looking forward to Tuesday's game against Millwall at Edgar Street, it's difficult to see what changes Turner might make to the starting eleven assuming Sam Hewson remains unfit. However there might be a case for putting Jackson or possibly Sam Gwynne in the right back position instead of Rose.

Looking further ahead the Bulls have seven games over the next four weeks. Injuries and suspensions are bound to have an effect on team selection. For example Kris Taylor will miss the Stockport game next Saturday because he has collected five yellow cards.

No doubt Turner will be still hoping to bring in a few extra bodies to bolster the squad. He only has a week left before the transfer window closes, however the emergency loan rules will come into play shortly after that.

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