Saddlers were indebted to a resurgent Matty Fryatt’s fourth goal of the season at sunny Bescot. Fryatt netted against the run of play on 57 minutes following great work from Leitao.

The visitors had started the second half the better side and only a bad miss from skipper Andy Gurney and a great Oakes save from Brazilian Miglioranzi kept the Saddlers in the game.

This prompted a tactical switch from the visitors with Cureton and Christian Roberts joining the fray in a switch to 4-4-2. Saddlers responded by replacing Standing with Mark Wright who curiously went into centre-midfield with Merson floating on the flanks and Leitao still out wide on the right.

As the game meandered on the pattern emerged of Saddlers sitting deep, unable to retain possession while Swindon laboured in search of the equalizer.

Eventually common sense prevailed, Merson being replaced by Kinsella on 80 minutes allowing Wright to go wide and Leitao up front in a switch to the 4-4-2 that last week “the team couldn’t play”. Jorge came closest to putting the game beyond doubt shooting over in stoppage time.

In the end it was another for the “we didn’t play that well but won” category of game and another that demonstrated that we are still no nearer finding a consistent formation. It was also further evidence of the paucity of a division topped by Scunthorpe earlier today.

More considered reaction no doubt on the messageboard, what formation we go for at Yeovil is anyone’s guess.

Craig Pead got the sponsor’s man-of-the-match award, and the crowd was 5,392.

Saddlers lined up with Leitao in a floating role, playing right midfield when we lost possession and up-front when we had the ball.

Both sides had chances in a lively opening, with the Saddlers noticeably trying to build from the back while the pace of Ricky Shakes caused plenty of problems down Walsall’s vulnerable left hand side where full-back Taylor and winger Wrack were both playing out of position.

On loan Man Utd. Keeper Heaton saved well from Fryatt and then watched as Gerrard blasted a deflected effort over following a Merson corner.

Swindon’s other on-loan Man U starlet Colin Heath was lucky to escape a red-card midway through the half when he threw the ball away having already been booked for a cynical pull-back on Pead.

As the Saddlers continued to shade things approaching the half-hour Wrack headed against the post following a great cross from Taylor when he really should have scored.

As the half threatened to peter out Walsall continued to force plenty of corners which looked the most likely route to a breakthrough. However, from open play the presence of Merson was again restricting the influence of Standing and Wrack who were both largely anonymous as an attacking force, while Jorge also struggled with his role

Half-time verdict, lots of pretty football but apart from the set-pieces not enough substance, a couple of costly misses by Wrack and Gerrard.

Ant Gerrard kept his place in the Saddlers line-up this afternoon and admitted he was in the wrong to question Paul Merson’s selection before the Bournemouth game. Gerrard revealed he apologised to Merson after the spat on the touchline, and he lined up alongside Chris Westwood this afternoon. Both Fox and Staunton were ruled out. With Wrack effectively replacing Bennett we will have to see how the formation pans out! Looks for all the world on paper like 4-3-1-2 (n0 I’m not kidding), but who knows.

Saddlers line up.
Oakes, Pead, Taylor, Gerrard, Westwood, Osborn, Standing, Merson, Fryatt, Leitao, Wrack.
Subs Gilmartin, Kinsella, Roper, Wright, Larossa.

Swindon are unchanged from the defeat at Tranmere, so presumabley stay 4-5-1 and are looking for a 0-0.