Walsall 1 Bradford City 0
Gary Birch grabbed all three points for Walsall as they beat Bradford 1-0 at Bescot today. The twenty-two year old’s fourth strike of the season decided a poor match in which the Saddlers were lucky avoid defeat after Bryan Robson’s met hit both post and bar.
Darren Bazeley and Paul Ritchie came in for Neil Emblen and Danny Hay respectively whilst Simon Osborn replaced Vinny Samways in midfield. Samways is rumoured to have returned late from his home in the Canary Islands and missed training on Thursday. There was a surprise place on the bench for Stefan Oakes.
Dean Windass fired a free kick just over the bar and Andy Gray was denied by a last ditch clearance from Bazeley as the Bantams dominated the first half. Osborn seemed unable to pass the ball, Merson to control it and Dinning was just plain anonymous. The Saddlers at last bucked up their ideas with half time approaching and Corica was denied by the outstretched leg of keeper Alan Combe after a powerful run. Referee Colin Webster then angered Saddlers players after failing to give a penalty when Birch was pushed to the ground by Paul Heckingbottom. The ref had earlier angered home fans by giving a free kick against Osborn for heading the ball (!?) and then failing to spot a handball by Windass.
Hesitancy between Walker and Ritchie almost gifted Bradford a goal at the start of the second half, but Windass fired into the side netting with the goal gaping. Corica fired over before Gavin headed against the bar for the visitors. Lee then sent on Leitao for Dinning and Walsall snatched the winner just minutes later, breaking away to devastating effect. Merson’s flick sent Wrack scampering forwards and he slid in Birch who smashed it past Combe for the winner. Lee sent on Emblen on the right wing for Birch and Aranalde replaced Corica as the Saddlers held on for all three points.
