Life without Colin Lee began properly today…and Walsall were thumped 5-0 by a Norwich team destined for the Premier League. Temporary managers Paul Merson and Simon Osborn made four changes to the team beaten by Gillingham last week; Jermaine McSporran – making his first Walsall start – Craig Burley, Paul Ritchie and Jorge Leitao came in for Mark Wright, Steve Corica, Paul Merson and Keith Andrews, the latter two of which dropped to the bench.
Life under Merse got off to the worst possible start when the Canaries forged ahead inside two minutes, Damien Francis touching in Darren Huckerby’s cross. The Saddlers held on until the stroke of half time when City got a second. Former Walsall loan target Huckerby was again the provider - his cross was met by the head of Leon McKenzie and the ball looped over Jimmy Walker and in.
Six minutes into the second half, Delia Smith’s side scored a third. Mathias Svensson headed in Curtis Flemming’s cross to net his fifth goal in five games. Immediately, Walsall made a double change. One manager replaced another as Merson came on for Osborn. Matty Fryatt also replaced Lee Bradbury.
Huckerby hit Norwich’s fourth after latching onto Phil Mulryne’s lay off with seventeen minutes remaining. Svensson’s second of the game – four minutes from time – sealed City’s biggest home win for six years.
Leitao, Bradbury, McSporran, Bazeley and Kris Taylor – on for Leitao after 61 minutes – were all thwarted by England keeper Robert Green.
Junior netted a penalty as Derby beat Preston 5-1 to move above the Saddlers. Thankfully, Gillingham and Burnely both lost so Walsall sit in 20th place with three games left – at least survival is still in our own hands.