Matty Fryatt and Mark Wright netted their first goals for Walsall in a crucial 2-1 victory over Preston today.
Colin Lee made changes after Tuesday’s disappointing loss to Ipswich, bringing in Fryatt up front, Wright at wing back and Carbon in defence as Walsall lined up in a 5-3-2 formation. Craig Burley made his Saddlers debut in midfield. Bazeley and Osborn dropped to the bench whilst Birch was missing from the squad altogether.

Walsall attacked from the off, as Andrews played the ball forward to Emblen who won the ball in the air, cut inside and unleashed a low 25 yard drive which was turned aside by Andy Lonergan. Merson’s first corner was cleared but his second was met by the head of Fryatt and Walsall were 1-0 up after only 74 seconds!
The Saddlers then set about defending for the remainder of the first half; Preston threw on young winger Jeff Smith for injured defender Rob Edwards and he should have scored but blasted over from just yards out. Mark Wright was also forced to scramble a corner off the line and Cresswell’s ‘goal’ was disallowed after the referee spotted the striker’s use of a hand in forcing the ball over the line.

Walsall almost began the second half as they had the first, but this time Matty Fryatt was halted in the area by the giant defender Claude Davis – man of the match for the home side. Then after 53 minutes, Preston pulled level. Andrews lost the ball in midfield and, after Cresswell had wriggled free in the area, Carbon pulled him down, earning himself a booking and conceding a penalty. Graham Alexander sent Walker the wrong way from the spot.

With Preston looking the more likely side to score, Colin Lee made a double substitution after 64 minutes. On came Osborn and Bazeley for the hard working Emblen and Carbon. Walsall switched to 4-4-2, with Merson partnering the tireless Fryatt up front and Wright – seeming somewhat surprised to be staying on - taking up a place on the right wing. A minute later it was 2-1. Osborn won the ball with his first touch and Merson crossed for Wright, who dived in to head the ball past Lonergan. Fryatt missed a glorious chance to seal victory a minute later, as Wright reached the bye line and crossed for the 17 year old who saw his close range volley blocked by the legs of the home keeper.

North End desperately sought an equaliser as the Saddlers hung on for the points. Walker was forced to turn an Alexander drive around the post whilst Cresswell and Lynch struck the woodwork in the closing stages. Kris Taylor replaced Fryatt at the end, as the striker departed to a standing ovation.