When Walsall beat Wolves... 96 years ago today

Here, Liam Keen charts Walsall’s rare victories over their illustrious neighbours.

April 7, 1924

Wolves – who eventually went on to win the old Third Division North in the 1923/24 season – were on a 20-game unbeaten run from November until they travelled to Fellows Park, on April 7, 1924.

That Easter Monday game saw 12,281 fans watch a famous 2-1 win for Walsall, ending that Wolves unbeaten run.

That stretch without a loss was the club’s longest until 2005 when they went 21 games unbeaten. Saddlers finished the season in 17th position.

September 3, 1985

On this day in September, 61 years after their first win over Wolves, the Saddlers picked up another.

The two teams didn’t meet again in those six decades until August 20 in a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the League Cup.

Then, in the second leg on September 3, 1985, Walsall notched a 1-0 win at Molineux to progress to the next round.

Later that season, the clubs drew in both their league meetings in the old Division Three, 0-0 at Molineux and 1-1 at Fellows Park.

Wolves were relegated that season, while Walsall finished sixth.

August 28, 1999

The two clubs didn’t meet again until they found themselves both in the old First Division.

Newly-promoted Walsall, under the guidance of legendary manager Ray Graydon, picked up their first win of the season at the fourth attempt.

In front of 24,439 spectators at Molineux, Anthony Barras put the Saddlers ahead in the third minute, before Carl Robinson equalised in the 31st.

Andy Rammell then put Walsall ahead for the second time just before half-time, and the Saddlers hung on in the second 45 for a memorable 2-1 victory. Graydon’s Walsall were relegated that season, finishing three points off Albion and safety.

September 17, 2013

Walsall’s last victory over Wolves came on this date in 2013.

Two weeks on from losing to Wolves on penalties in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, after a 2-2 draw, the Saddlers returned to Molineux in a League One clash.

Freshly relegated from the Championship, Kenny Jackett’s Wolves were unbeaten in their first six league games and had won all three of their home fixtures.

Then Walsall arrived in town and a 69th-minute Andy Butler header handed the visitors a famous 1-0 victory in front of 2,344 away fans.

Milan Lalkovic and Craig Westcarr both hit the woodwork for Walsall.

Wolves went on to achieve promotion at the first time of asking, winning the title with 103 points, while Walsall finished 13th after a solid campaign.