Paul Merson’s battling Saddlers were denied a precious point after a controversial late penalty at Selhurst Park. It’s true that luck doesn’t go your way when you’re at the bottom, this was the third penalty conceded by a Saddler in five games.
Merse brought in Aranalde, Wrack, Wright and lone striker Bradbury against the in form Eagles. Palace dominated possession and Walker had to be at his best to deny Neil Shipperley, whose header from Danny Butterfield’s free kick had looked goal bound. From the resulting corner, Butterfield again set up Shipperley and Walker turned his header around the post. Walker then denied Andy Johnson when clean through before Walsall missed a great chance to snatch a goal on the break; Wrack just inches away from Mark Wright’s cross.
Riihilahti then forced Walker into another good save before the Saddlers registered their first effort on target – a tame 66th minute drive by Bradbury. This was followed by a long distance effort from Wright.
With five minutes to go, Palace sent on Tommy Black. Within two minutes, he had fallen rather theatrically under pressure from Ritchie and the ref awarded a penalty. An inspired Walker stopped Johnson’s initial kick but was helpless to deny the former Blues’ striker his 28th of the season from the rebound.
Emblen and Fryatt were moved up front as Walsall searched for an equaliser but Palace held on. Walsall fans need a miracle or two on what will be a nerve racking Sunday afternoon next week.