Analysis of Carlisle 1 Walsall 1

It seems patently obvious where Walsall's place in life is.

But there could be changes afoot at the club this summer.

With one game left of the League One season the Saddlers are in the familiar position of mid-table limbo following Saturday's draw at Carlisle.

But on a positive note they are on the brink of their highest finish in six years and, whatever the off-field grumbles are, that cannot be overlooked.

In conversation, those with an inside view on the Saddlers' season firmly believe it has been one of success. One remarked on Saturday they had overachieved as they have a realistic chance of netting 10th spot.

But even the players don't fully subscribe to that view.

There is a feeling among some in the dressing room they have underachieved.

Points thrown away at the Banks's add weight to those claims. Too many draws have inhibited their progress, and had Yeovil, Swindon and Millwall all been put in their place, a top 10 finish would be guaranteed.

But after 46 games you get what you deserve and the Saddlers are now racing certainties for a top-half finish, which is the steady progress continually promised by the management.

A point at home to MK Dons guarantees that but the coveted 10th spot is still up for grabs.

A win coupled with a Brentford loss at home to Hartlepool and the season looks very rosy - for all its inconsistencies.

Chris Hutchings' achievement in guiding the Saddlers to a mid-table finish isn't a glorious one-off, it has happened too often for the fans' liking, but perspective must now be the buzz word.

Cuts loom large for all in League One and a sense of realism needs to be taken as the next 12 months will be financially troubling for the lower divisions.

The recession may be ending but the cash problems remain - highlighted by the multitude of clubs announcing reduced budgets for next year.

From the top of the Championship down clubs will cut their cloth and, to an extent, level the playing field.

The lack of money this summer will play into the Saddlers' hands. There will be more players available and the power returns to the clubs.

Walsall are not going to go out and blow a wedge on a player but you can bet, with the amount set to be released next week, there will be rich pickings.

Players need to work, there are no millions dished out in League One, and the offer of a contract becomes more enticing with a mortgage to pay.

The rich will still be the richer but the Saddlers can be first in the queue behind them. And with Walsall's final flourish they will become more of an attractive prospect.

With one defeat in seven - that infamous night in Huddersfield - the Saddlers have finally found the consistent formula which has been missing all season.

They have struck a balance between performances and results and recent displays show the stretched squad have the capabilities.

One such member who deserves an honourable mention is Matt Richards.

Pilloried by a second of supporters during the first half of the season Richards has turned the tide and arguably found his best position in centre midfielder during recent weeks.

While stuck on the wing there were unrealistic expectations place upon him. Fans want widemen to drive past their marker, beat them for pace and whip in a pin point centre.

Richards hasn't got, nor ever will have, searing pace and he struggled with the creative demand wingers are burdened with.

But the ex-Ipswich man has offered much needed balance in the centre and with the terrier of Richard Taundry alongside him revels in the space.

He should have capped a man of the match performance with a goal late on but, after a year of anomalies, is finishing well.

His performance at Carlisle was another positive during a game which the Saddlers should have won.

A hardy band of supporters, decked out in traditional fancy dress, barely had time to settle before Darren Byfield raced onto Troy Deeney's astute pass and fire under the onrushing Adam Collin.

But then the Saddlers retreated, Carlisle slowly came to prominence before they levelled on the half hour.

David Raven's lofted ball was flicked on by Gary Madine and one-time Walsall target Jason Price nipped in to tuck beyond Rene Gilmartin.

As goals go it was soft and sloppy. The manager's assertion messers Manny Smith and Clayton McDonald - for all their plaudits - are "coming on nicely" is bang on as they are still prone to mistakes.

Adam Clayton stung Gilmartin's palms as the hosts pressed but, to their credit, the Saddlers refused to buckle any further.

And with a few words of encouragement at the break they came out firing and should have taken the points.

Byfield and Taundry both tried their luck from distance as the Saddlers bossed the second half without forcing Collin into a meaningful save.

Half-time substituted Mark Hughes had to be alert to block Richard Keogh's effort but it was a rare moment of consternation for Walsall.

And they should have regained the lead with 13 minutes left when Julian Gray tossed in a teasing centre only for the otherwise excellent Richards to head over from five yards.

Madine glanced well wide late on as Carlisle happily settled for a point.

By Nick Mashiter