The Saddlers picked up a morale boosting point at Upton Park today, drawing 0-0 against Alan Pardew’s promotion chasing West Ham.
Walsall made changes as they went in search of their first win of 2004 – out went the injured Wrack and Corica, Wales dropped to the bench and Ritchie was also missing. Roper and Birch returned after injury whilst Kris Taylor and Matias were also brought back into midfield. Youngsters Fryatt, Caines and Bennett appeared on the bench. West Ham included Zamora, Harewood and Connolly upfront as well as England international Michael Carrick in midfield.
West Ham looked to have broken the deadlock after 17 minutes, when Zamora slotted Harewood’s cross past Jimmy Walker only to see the goal disallowed for offside.
The next chance fell to Gary Birch, whose close range header from Simon Osborn’s cross flew just wide. West Ham were forced to replace the injured Mullins with Andy Melville and then at half time put on Jobi McAnuff in place of Nowland.
West Ham continued to press and Harewood shot wide before Christian Dailly headed Carrick’s corner over the bar.
Walsall almost snatched all three points but Taylor’s glancing header drifted just wide. West Ham then threw on Brian Deane up front while Matty Fryatt came on for the injured Birch and Wales replaced Samways.
One point may seem very little – and in fact, Walsall have dropped one league place today – but the fighting spirit shown by the Saddlers was in stark contrast to recent weeks and if we can continue to produce this form, starting next week against basement boys Wimbledon, safety will be a mere formality.