Walsall were denied three crucial home points by Paul Ifill’s late equaliser this afternoon. Keith Andrews had put the Saddlers ahead with twelve minutes remaining, firing home his second goal for the club.
Colin Lee handed a debut to new signing Lee Bradbury up front and a home debut to midfielder Craig Burley. Jermaine McSporran started on the bench, as Colin Lee rewarded Matty Fryatt with a first home start.
Walsall seemed to edge the first half, with Merson getting the better of former England team mate Wise in midfield. However, it was Tim Cahill who came closest, hitting the side netting after Dichio’s 33rd minute back heel.
Both managers went for pace at half time, with Ifill replacing Neil Harris and McSporran replacing Fryatt, who had struggled against the physical element of Millwall’s play. McSporran’s first contribution was a foul on the annoying Wise, which earned our new striker a booking.
The game at last came to life after 78 minutes; Bradbury rose to flick on a Walker goal kick and Andrews – bursting through from midfield – lifted the ball over Lawrence and smashed the ball past Marshall.
Walsall then sank deeper and deeper and the inevitable occurred with two minutes remaining when a corner was half cleared as far as Ifill, who volleyed past Walker to make it 1-1.
Roper starred at the back whilst Bradbury led the line well and Andrews worked his socks off in midfield. McSporran struggled to make an impact in his 45 minute run out but his pace and willingness to run was there for all to see.