Paul Merson’s sorry Saddlers slumped to a 1-3 defeat away at Huddersfield today. Pawel Abbott and Junior Mendes dealt Walsall a double blow, netting two goals in two minutes after half an hour. Abbott made it 3-0 after 68 minutes, beating the away side’s offside trap before rounding Mark Paston. Huddersfield centre-back Nathan Clarke handed Walsall a 77th minute lifeline with a headed own goal but Julian Bennett failed to set up a grand stand finish, when he then headed wide. Matty Fryatt and Mark Wright were also denied as Walsall mounted a late but unsuccessful rally.
Meanwhile, Walsall have been drawn away to League Two side Cheltenham Town in the second round of the LDV Vans Trophy. Ties will be played week commencing November 1st.