Battling Walsall are down despite a thrilling 3-2 win over Rotherham today. Gillingham’s goalless draw at Stoke meant Walsall had to win by three clear goals – something they could have achieved but for two controversial Rotherham penalties.
Pushing forward from the off, Lee Bradbury was denied by a fabulous save from Millers’ keeper Mike Pollitt. The Saddlers were living dangerously in the first half, and were twice almost caught on the break. First, Michael Proctor found himself in the clear, but after rounding Jimmy Walker he somehow managed to fire wide. Then former Saddler Martin Butler found himself one on one with Walker, but as Butler delayed, Keith Andrews got back with a crucial last ditch challenge.
The Saddlers at last broke the deadlock three minutes into the second half; Lee Bradbury’s cross shot was scrambled in by Simon Osborn as Bescot went wild. With Walsall getting on top of their visitors, disaster struck in the 59th minute when Rotherham were awarded a penalty. Scott Minto brushed against Osborn and fell theatrically to the ground. Referee Brian Curson pointed to the spot and Proctor beat Walker to draw Rotherham level. Osborn was booked for protesting against the penalty decision and was sent off three minutes later, picking up another booking after a late challenge.
Walsall then sent on Mark Wright for Bradbury and he immediately restored our lead. Wrack’s shot was spilled by Pollit and with Leitao unable to force the ball home, Wright was on hand to slot home from a yard out.
Fryatt replaced Leitao and Aranalde came on for Bazeley as Walsall pushed forward.
Then, as full time neared Richie Barker was felled –dubiously – by Roper and Paul Warne drew Rotherham level again from the spot.
Merse set off goalwards from the kick off however, and when Andrews’s shot was turned over the bar, Player of the Season Paul Ritchie netted his first goal for the club with a towering header to make the final score 3-2. Unfortunately, top half Stoke were unable (or just not motivated enough) to beat lowly Gillingham and Merson’s Walsall were down.