More great saves by Jimmy Walker and a few snatched chances today as Walsall battled bravely to grab a point off high-flying Manchester City. Steve Corica could have won it for the Saddlers but his fierce shot was superbly saved by Nicky Weaver, whilst at the other end Horlock had an effort late on saved at point blank by Saddlers hero Walker.

Charlton defender Greg Shields has arrived at Bescot today on a month’s loan, giving manager Colin Lee much needed options with injuries to both Ian Brightwell and Matt Carbon. Walsall’s main sponsors, Bank’s Brewery, have also agreed a new shirt sponsorship deal with the club running upto the 2006/2007 season.

Darren Byfield’s backside scored, but it wasn’t to be cup dreams today as Walsall went out to Fulham in the 5th round in front of the Sky cameras. Celebrity supporter Pete Waterman was wheeled out, giving a two page interview to The Sun, but any hopes the Pop Idol judge might dust off his wallet and invest in the club seem dashed. In truth Walsall fought hard, had their chances – Herivelto’s miscue in front of an unguarded goal, Leitao’s point blank header straight at the keeper, and the same stopper’s wonder save to prevent Byfield’s great springing leap going in late on – but Hayles clinical finish showed Walsall how to do it. So back to the league relegation dogfight – and with both Grimsby and Sheffield Wednesday winning today – it does not look good. At the least we need a point from Coventry on Tuesday, but even that now may not be enough.

A terrible result. Just when hope and optimism had returned to Saddlers fans, a disaster at Bescot today as Wednesday took their chances, the Birmingham debutants all got booked as quickly as they could, and referee Stiles cemented his reputation as the fussiest, most pedantic official alongside David Elleray.
Well played to Wednesday, who move above us in the table and who have left Colin Lee and the lads once again with a mountain to climb.

Sensational news from the Bescot today where for the first time in ages the supporters cries seem to have been answered and four players have arrived with proven first division class.
Birmingham trio Martin O’Connor, Marcelo and David Holdsworth are confirmed Walsall players for the rest of the season. Earlier today Lee made his first signing in recruiting former Wolves midfielder Steve Corica from Japanese football.
All four are likely to be involved in Saturday’s crucial six-pointer against Sheffield Wednesday.

Colin Lee’s impressive start as new Saddlers boss continued with a well-earned 2-2 draw at high-flying Millwall, sending the Saddlers above Sheffield Wednesday and out of the relegation dog-fight – with the Owls visiting Bescot next week.
Positive intent has been a hallmark of Lee’s first two away games in charge, and he was rewarded today. In a first half where Millwall missed a number of chances, the home side took the lead in the 66th minute. Pedro Matias levelled when he slid home and three minutes later a run from Leitao resulted in the Portugese being felled, with Dean Keates converting Walsall’s first league penalty awarded in 12 months. But sadly the Saddlers couldn’t grab all three points as Zigor was adjudged to have pushed Neil Harris in the 83rd minute, and Harris himself coolly levelled the scores. Even then Jorge Leitao should have won it for the Saddlers but after sprinting clear keeper Warner made a superb save. 11 goal attempts – with 6 on target – against a team destined for a play-off place, not bad going, and every hope now Lee can continue the resurgence with a crucial three points against troubled Wednesday.