The Saddlers moved up to fifth in the table last night, with a superb win at Yeovil, makng it 17 games without defeat. While the Fat Controller didn’t report in with his match report, presumably because he’d either been washed away, or his mobile was waterlogged, I don’t hink he could have done better than Registered Saddler’s comments on the message board:

I’ve thought for a while this season that there has scarcely been a time when I have been more proud of the team I support. I don’t know if it is the long unbeaten run, my unshaken faith in the manager or the number of homegrown kids in the team. Probably all three, and many more reasons besides. And if this is a season to be proud then tonight marks the pinnacle.

Let me elaborate. During the first half we faced gale-force winds and torrential rain, meaning we had to - quite literally - weather the storm from Yeovil. To give you an idea of the ferocity of the conditions, one of Clayton’s goal-kicks went out for a corner. Unsurprisingly, we were camped in our own half and it was shots-in from Yeovil although, aside from two very presentable openings inside the opening five minutes (both went over the bar), there wasn’t much to worry us unduly.

Second half it was a different story - and not just the weather, which thankfully abated so we were able to get the ball down and pass it, rather than lumping it as hard as we could into the gale. Super-sub and set-piece maestro Taundry stepped up and planted a free-kick straight on to the head of ZiDann with his first touch - 1-0. Nicholls cut inside his marker and fired an angled shot into the corner 4 minutes later - 2-0. After that we counter-attacked with quality, pace and vigour meaning that we were always the more likely scorers. Nicholls missed a couple of chances for a deserved second, while Brittain, Bradley and Deeney also had efforts.

Those are the bare bones but the detail is so much richer than that. Every man in a blue/yellow jersey deserves a huge pat on the back for their endeavours tonight - not just in facing near-impossible weather conditions but also in showing their genuine (Championship?) class after half-time. Part of me wants to leave it there, but I feel I should mention three individuals:

Nicholls and Deeney - not only are we moulding players who have genuine quality, but this pair also have hearts of lions. They never stopped all night and even though the end product isn’t quite there yet, they are both on the path to greater things, I’m sure of it.

Fox - true professional. Never mind the off-field stuff, he got his head down and gave it his all. This was evidenced in the second half where he slid in to block a Yeovil effort from 12 yards that was destined for the net. If you’re reading this Foxy - a word to the wise: SACK YOUR AGENT!!! The best place to be right now is at the centre of the Walsall Revolution, which you have helped to kick off. We are heading for the Championship, my friend, so won’t you come and join the ride