Paul Merson’s super Saddlers fought back from 0-2 down to snatch a dramatic win right at the death, with Merse describing it as his proudest moment in management.
The Walsall player boss made three changes from Saturday’s draw with lowly Torquay, bringing in Zigor Aranalde, Joe Broad and Gary Birch for suspended Ian Roper, Matty Fryatt (foot) and Michael Standing.
The Saddlers couldn’t have started worse, with the unmarked Brian Howard heading home a Mark Yeates’ corner after only five minutes. Twenty minutes later, on-loan Gillingham striker – and former Colin Lee target - Darius Henderson latched onto a long clearance and slotted past Mark Paston to put Town two goals ahead. ‘A mad fifteen minutes’ said Merse later.
At last Walsall started to play. Within three minutes they had pulled a goal back as Gary Birch’s powerful drive was spilled by keeper Rhys Evans and Jorge Leitao headed home the rebound for his first goal of the season.
Then after 34 minutes, Birch and Merson combined well on the right with Joe Broad, whose cross was slotted home by Leitao who, according to Merson, was ‘different class’ and is the ‘best centre forward in the league’ when on form.
Darren Wrack then had a chance to seal a remarkable first half turn around, only to fire wide with the goal gaping. Wrack almost made up for this after the break, with yet another Beckham-esque free kick. Unlike against Barnsley however, this struck the inside of the past but did not cross the line.
Walsall pressed for the winner, but were almost caught on the break. Paston seems to have overcome his pre season blues and now looks a solid keeper. He kept out Sam Parkin’s late header with an instinctive stop.
Then, with three minutes to go, Jorge Leitao’s endless running provided a chance for Gary Birch who looped a header over Evans to seal a priceless win.