The Fat Controller reporting from the ground.

Paul Merson sprang a surprise this afternoon, making seven changes from the side starting at Bristol City. The major shock, however, was the appearance of Julian Bennett at left back, after the manager said last night that he would not be allowed to play, pending a transfer. It suggests that Forest, who are out of the Cup are the successful bidders, rather than Watford, or that the deal may have stalled.

Team ( 4 5 1):- A Oakes, C Pead, A Gerrard, I Roper, D Fox, M Wright, S Osborn, M Leary, J Bennett, M Timm, K James
Subs: C Westwood, M Standing, M Kinsella, R Gilmartin, A Nicholls

Half Time

The Fat Controller reported that the first half was a 100% improvement on the Bristol City game. The new boys are looking good, other than Leary picking up a booking, to maintain his career average of one every two games. Timm is holding the ball up well and James looks dangerous, being described as a “taller version of Joachim”! The only player really struggling is Craig Pead, who seems to have left his passing boots at home, as he is finding it impossible to find one of his own side.

Chances, however, have been few and far between for both sides. Walsall have had a couple of half chances, including one where the otherwise impressive Timm should have done better.

The Saddlers defence has been its usual rock like self, but Barnsley have had the best chance when Shuker blazed over when he should have scored and we were also indebted to Oakes for a magnificent save from a free kick just before half time.

Full Time

The second half followed a similar pattern, with chances few and far between, but Timm and James still were looking very dangerous. Barnsley were slightly the better side, but no more so than you would expect for a home team.

Eventually, however, the Saddlers took the lead, when Mark Wright made a strong run through the middle and slipped the ball through for James to finish deftly.

A very rare away win looked to be on the cards, but Walsall’s suicidal tendencies raised their ugly heads again, when a cross was slung into the box and Oakes punched weakly, stright to a Barnsley player, who gladly slotted home from ten yards.

The new boys loked to have made a big difference, with James scorong and Timm drawing a superb second half save from their ‘keeper (although he does have a habit of over-elaborating). Leary does get stuck in, as shown by yet another booking for him, his 8th theis season. The Fat Controller’s comment is that he’s the sort of player you like on your side, but boo if he’s playing for the opposition!

A badly needed morale boost this, and not before time, as the reinforcements have done the trick. A new striker and a midfielder may improve things even more and a home win in the replay should give us the money to bring them in. The season may just have taken a turn for the better.