Nine-man Walsall claimed an improbable and stunning victory against Brighton.
Dwayne Mattis’s first half header won the game for the Saddlers, after defenders Rhys Weston and Netan Sansara had been shown straight red cards in the 15th and 33rd minute respectively.
It was a splendid defensive display from Jimmy Mullen’s side, who were under pressure all game. Captain Stephen Hughes was kept busy in his return to the starting line up, in place of injured striker Michael Ricketts.
Walsall started the game under pressure and then had Weston was sent off for a wild challenge. Sansara followed him into the dressing room when he was dismissed for a tackle from behind on Gary Hart.
Just before half-time, Mattis headed his first Walsall goal from Palmer’s free kick. Despite being under pressure in the second half, the Saddlers held firm thanks to a great save from goalkeeper Clayton Ince to foil Hart’s header.
7 Comments
Excellent result proves there is fight and passion in the squad,something we have been lacking of late. nice to keep a clean sheet at last.Well done boys keep it up!!be nice to see some more fans down the Banks’s the players deserve it after the past 2 results.
stunning result with ten men well done lads keep it up 2 great away days .now lets give the home fans something to shout about.congrats anthony gerrard conducted hiself perfectly in wake of recent transfer speculation.well done jimmy mullen too
ok meant nine men
Incredible Display to hold on, i strongly believe this team with performances like that can make the play-offs, and i cant believe just becasue of jeff bonser some fans now will not watch those 11 (9 In this case) men play football, enjoyable football. There missing out!
Got to be the result of the day in the football league.Credit to the players who wore the shirt today & the supporters who were there to see it.Responding to Walsall FC Website tonight get to Bescot & support the team next week.Nothings changed 2 players less now from the squad.Show your ambition Bonser after a good start, get some cover in this week.It wont happen will it.Put your hand in your pocket JB & the stay away fans will.
Rickets out again get in another striker how many games rickets goin to play 20 /25 ?
BRIGHTON AWAY 200908
Went off to the seaside, expecting a hard game,
The sun it shone, five four one, the team never looks the same.
After a few minutes Weston was shown red,
now the game was tougher, ten can win, it’s bin said.
Then Sansara gets a bath and now we’re down to nine,
Never mind the bl**dy weather, now’s the time to shine!
All the players got together and substitutions made,
One and all fought for the ball and put the Seagulls in the shade.
Have you ever seen it, nine men winning for an hour?
Unbelievable sight, Bright-on a motly shower.
Dwain’s goal was overlooked a little, because of the ‘escape’,
I think there will be many players after this games tape.
Well done Jimmy and the boys, you did us very proud,
I for one will be there Sat, screaming in the crowd.
What a team performance from the ‘Men In Black’
Surely Banks’s will now see, the crowds coming back!