First Half

The Fat Controller reporting from the ground.

Merson made several changes to the side for tonight’s LDV tie, but, if anything, the eleven was actually stronger than Saturday.

It is Murphy, Pead, Gerrard, Roper, Bennett, Leitao, Standing, Kinsella, Taylor K, Constable, Fryatt.

Wycombe were the better side for the first ten to fifteen minutes and took an early lead with a long range shot.

Constable fairly quickly equalised with a drive into the roof of the net and the Saddlers then began to take a measure of control. Bennett put Walsall into the lead later on in the half with a far post header.

Wycombe look a useful outfit, but Walsall should run out winners from here.

Second Half

The second half was a somewhat different story. Merson himself said that he was unhappy with the performance and wasn’t sure if we took our foot off the gas, but we did allow Wycombe far too much possession. They did grab an equaliser in the end and the game seemed to be heading towards penalties when a slick move led to Jorge Leitao grabbing what turned out to be the winner.

There was still some backs to the wall defending to be done at the death before Walsall gratefully headed into the Area Semi Finals.

All in all, a decent performance and another morale boost. Merson said afterwards, however, that we still need a higher level of effort, as we can’t afford to play like that against teams from our own Division.

Well, it’s the LDV lottery draw tonight!

Paul Merson has already said that he will be making changes tonight, in view of the difficulties ahead of the festive programme. There are no indications as to who is likely to be in or out, according to the Official site, but the Express and Star last night was saying that Michael Standing may be fit and Michael Oakes might get a start.

Wycombe have just as many, if not more, injury problems (Stefan Oakes will be missing, so there’ll be no booing) and have included no fewer than 4 youth team players in the squad.

Predictions? You’ve got to be joking! Nothing like a first choice line up from either side on a freezing cold December night in a competition which, no matter how much you’d like a trip to the Millenium Stadium, is still, really, second rate? Whichever team wants it the most. Given home advantage, that should be us.