Walsall’s good run came to an end with a bump on Saturday with a deserved 2-1 home defeat to big spending Peterborough. Conceding in just 64 seconds, it was always going to be a tough ask. Phil the Saddler summarised his thoughts on the message board:

Combination of poor performance from us, and them being an excellent team. A great example of what a little investment in your team can do. Boyd, Makail-Smith, Hyde, Mclean all cost money, but not anything earth shattering.

Agree with what others have said, our squad is still painfully thin. With our first choice 11 on song we will play well, but its unreasonable to expect everyone to be performing excellently week in week out, and we’ve got little room to change things around when players do play poorly. Ricketts for example was very poor at Hereford, and again, very poor against Pboro, but who have we got to drop him for? No one.

Pboro were a good side, faster than us, stronger than us and more clinical.

We need a striker to put pressure on the two we’ve already got, a proven winger and an experienced defender. 3 players of that ilk would make us so much more consistent.

Posh. I loath Peterborough United. Who can forget the ignomy of us failing to match their offers for Martin O’Connor, only for them to treble the peanuts they gave us for him a short time later?

Granted, they don’t have a lot going for them. Let’s face it, their most recognisable manager is the loathsome Barry Fry and their most well known supporter is the even more loathsome Adrian Durham, from Talk Sport. Tell me again, Adrian, how much higher were you going to finish than us the season before last? You know, the one when we were Divisional Champions? My God, they’ve even got Fergie’s nipper for a manager!

Jimmy Mullen’s choices for tomorrow will first of all be whether to bring back Rhys Weston, following his suspension. Weston was beginning to reach the heights he did last season before the sending off at Brighton, so I’d have thought it was odds on. Expect, in the continued absence of Clayton Ince, a defence of Gilmartin, Weston, Roberts, Gerrard, Boertien.

Ricketts and Iberhe pick themselves up front, so the other choices will surround the midfield combination. If Hughes is fit, Taundry, Mattis, Hughes and either Reich, Nicholls, Demontagnac or even Zaaboub seems to be the favoured option.

Peterborough Manager Darren Ferguson’s squad has been decimated by injuries and international call-ups. No fewer than eight players are unavailable for the clash while they are also sweating on the fitness on two others.

Missing will be Craig Morgan and Gabriel Zakuani due to international call-ups, but England under 21 goalkeeper Joe Lewis will be available.

Jamie Day (back), Shane Blackett (shoulder), Aaron Mclean (elbow), Dean Keates (knee), Chris Westwood (calf) and Sergio Torres (knee) are all expected to miss the match while Tom Williams missed training on Thursday due to a knock to his knee. Shaun Batt was back in training on Friday after nursing a sore shoulder following an aerial challenge against Dagenham and Redbridge on Tuesday evening.

In effect, they are missing virtually all of the first choice defence, plus a few others.
Ferguson said: ‘I will leave it late before finalising the starting XI because I have no idea at this stage who will be fit!’.

Predictions?

I don’t care that they have a rich sugar daddy, which has allowed them to have an overpaid and overblown squad, no team at this level can afford to be without over 50% of their starting eleven, including virtually the whole of their defence. They have good strikers, but anything other than a win, given the circumstances, wouldn’t be disappointing, it would be unacceptable.

The Saddlers safely overcame the first obstacle in their quest for Wembley glory this season by taming 2-1 Cheltenham in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy last night. PJD was at the game - share your views on the message board:

Just got back from the match which was an excellent away trip for many reasons - I was back home by 10.30, it only cost a tenner to get in, the entertainment put on by the local inbred morons was fantastically funny, the facilities and legroom at Whaddon Road were excellent, the linesman and referee failed to spoil the match despite both making their best efforts to do so, oh and Walsall won in a game they were losing - always the best way to win I think.

It was an excellent performance by the lads, Jabo and Ricketts caused their defence problems all evening, Hughes was excellent and Mattis was even better, Taundry, Gerrard, Boertin and Palmer were all solid and the latter’s dead ball delivery was superb and Roberts despite having a mare for their goal was also otherwise solid.

The two odd men out were Gilmartin, who literally had nothing to do all night (apart from pick the ball out of the net after Roberts error gave him no chance), but still contrived a “calamity James” moment after which he went to pot and Nicholl’s who was the worst outfield player by a country mile. Sorry to say he barely seemed able to control the ball or make a pass to a Walsall player. Once he was replaced with Ishy our attacking threat increased massively.

I am not sure what the shots on target totals were but I would guess they were about 6 to 1 in Walsall’s favour. Cheltenham looked like a Martin Allen team, lots of huff and puff, but carried very little threat. Their two best chances both came from Walsall errors.

Once again special mention has to go to the three Cheltenham fans that were thrown out, especially the little fat one wearing a Man Utd top - they were absolutely priceless. I doubt if they had a brain cell between them.

A 0-0 draw against lowly Hereford disappointed many Saddlers fresh from three straight wins, but a point gained nonetheless and the unbeaten run continues. Phil The Saddler gave his thoughts on the display via the message board:

A poor performance. Hereford played 5 across midfield at times, and as with other teams that have done the same to us this season, we struggled to play any decent football. Ricketts didn’t look interested, he could be 100 times better if only he tried that bit harder. We failed to adapt our game all afternoon, Hereford were woefully slow at the back, and all we had to do was utilise the pace of Jabo and Ricketts to break them down, but we didnt do that once.

Taundry and Nicholls fluffed 5 good chances between them against Hereford. Taundry is technically a very good player, but lacks the mobility [pace + movement] of a good winger. Nicholls has the mobility but struggles to cross or shoot well. I really think our team would be stronger with Ish and Zaboob in there, especially now Jimmy seems to have sorted out our defence. Both Ish and Zaboob have the mobility and the technical qualities to cross and shoot well, which in tight games like at Hereford mean the difference between winning and drawing.

It’s a return to Edgar Street tomorrow, one of my least favourite of grounds, as the first time I ever went, I was ready to celebrate a win, thanks to an Alan Buckley goal, when some local, more used to driving a tractor, ran into the back of my car leaving the car park. Never liked the Bulls ever since!

This has to be seen as a chance for the Saddlers to consolidate their League position as being real contenders. After a run of three wins, two away from home, we are away to a team rock bottom of the Division and who are already starting to see a gap develop between them and the rest. At full strength, we have a team as good as virtually any in this League and tomorrow is the perfect opportunity to prove it, as the lack of reported injuries means we will only be missing the suspended Weston and Sansara.

Jimmy Mullen’s favoured line up is the most likely to appear, with Palmer in for Weston. Expect:

Ince, Palmer, Roberts, Gerrard, Boertien, Nicholls, Hughes, Mattis, Taundry or Reich, Ricketts, Iberhe.

The Hereford line up is anyone’s guess.

Their last game was a 0 – 1 defeat away to Leeds, where the team was:

Randolph, Jackson, Broadhurst, N’Gotty, Rose, Hudson-Odoi, Johnson, O’Leary, Diagouraga, Done, Chadwick.

Subs: Samson, Beckwith, Smith, Ashikodi, Taylor

However, that was a line up consisting of a massed defence (marshalled by former Blues French International, Leicester loanee Bruno N’Gotty) and we’re unlikely to see the same tactics used.

Amongst the familiar and unfamiliar names, however, two will be of note, should they both play. One is former Saddler Kris Taylor, on as a sub against Leeds, and the other is our former trialist, Nick Chadwick.

Predictions?

They don’t concede many goals at home, but they don’t score them either. They are rock bottom, short of confidence, only having 4 points in total (all gained at home with a win and a draw). Quite frankly, if we have pretentions of getting anywhere this season, this is a game we must win. No excuses. Away win.

Another match another win for the Saddlers, fresh from the 9-man triumph against Brighton, this time picking up 3 points at home to Carlisle. It takes Walsall up into the play-off places just 2 points off the leaders. Wyrley Saddler was there, and gave his thoughts via the message board:

Don’t mean to sound pessimistic, but I didn’t realy think we’d have a chance against Carlisle, a draw at best. But how I was proved wrong. The first half we completely dominated and looked very comfortable. Took the lead just before half time through a great header from Mattis. I think Mattis like the 44th minute, 2 weeks in a row now

After a dominant first half, the second was more even. Jabo deservedly got on the score sheet with a well taken goal. Carlisle attacked in the latter stages which was expected, but I thought we coped very well with the pressure.

Major talking points:
First penalty - I think it was. Clayton hesitated, then didn’t take the ball and caught the man. Great save to redeem his error.
Second penalty - From where I was I thought it was out the area, but I couldn’t realy see the lines. Plus I thought our player (can’t remember who it was) took the ball. The linesman on the WBBS stand side - he was crud, simple as. He seemed to have it in for us, and Jabo especially.

My man of the match was Alex Nicholls. Thought he was superb today, deserved a goal, and he was a threat to Carlisle most the game.

Normally, a trip to Brighton would be reason for plenty of “gay capital of Britain” jokes and a few below the belt quips about their completely inadequate and farcical temporary (of sorts) home at the Withdean.

This week however, Saddlers fans should be contemplating whether this might be a pivotal point in the fortunes of the club this season. According to research done by Bernie, a regular contributor to the message board, last week saw us equal a club record and, if we concede again this week, it will be a whole twenty game since our last clean sheet.

Of course, you can argue that it doesn’t matter when your strike force and midfield fires as it did last Saturday, but, as I said in the Walsall Observer Column this week, scoring goals might win you matches, but it’s the ability to keep them out when your attack misfires that wins you promotions.

One consistent complaint this season has been the lack of a balanced midfield, something which was addressed through circumstance at the Bristol Rovers, where the Taundry/Mattis combination worked well. One defensive player and one attacking is the answer. Now we need to defend far better as a unit than we have so far this season, and then optimism might not be misplaced (at least until the January sales!).

Mullen, reportedly, will have all of his outfield players available for the first time this season. That should mean a back line of Ince, Weston, Gerrard, Roberts and Boertien.

Up front, Ricketts and Iberhe pick themselves at the moment, which leaves the choices all being in midfield.

Reich right or left? Nicholls or Deeney? Taundry or Hughes? Bradley or Mattis? (At least, I hope that’s the choice!), Demontagnac, or Zaaboub, or Reich? Time will tell, but you do have to wonder how good our summer re-building was when there is so little competition at the back and up front, ye so much in midfield.

Brighton are without Colin Hawkins, Kevin McLeod and Joe Anyinsah while the vital Nicky Forster is a doubt.

Centre-half Hawkins (hernia) and winger McLeod (knee) underwent operations this week and the Seagulls do not yet know how long they will be missing.

On-loan Preston winger Anyinsah was sent off on his debut at Yeovil last week and serves a one-match ban while striker and captain Forster suffered a dead leg at Huish Park.

Joel Lynch is fit after a calf problem and should deputise for Hawkins against the Saddlers, while Jake Robinson could start on the wing after overcoming concussion.

Adam Virgo, who has been used predominantly in midfield this season, could fill in at the back or up front while Gary Hart is also in contention for a striking berth.

Predictions?

The side will be brimming with confidence after last week and the two teams have very similar records this season (they are just one point behind us), but they have already suffered one hammering at home this month, losing 1 – 4 to Scunthorpe. A lot will depend on the fitness of Forster, but, if he is absent, I think we might just manage that elusive clean sheet and an away win.

Those of you heading South for the weekend, or even just a day should know by now that the game is all ticket, so best get your skates on if you’ve yet to get one.

If you have got your ticket, inclusive of your travel voucher to the stadium at the back of beyond, you’ll probably need to get your map out to find your way between coach / station / bus stop / car park and the ground itself.

Once there, you’ll kick yourself as you realise you forgot your binoculars so can’t tell who’s who or where the ball is. After this realisation, you’ll decide a pie might be in order, then realise that they sell out about 1.15pm. Bottles of pop are sold with the lid on though - even full, they’re not aerodynamic enough to reach the pitch when thrown.

After the game there’s complimentary transport (if you’ve not torn up your voucher along with the ticket to use as confetti) back to YGA South Central, if you can find it, and if it’s not full. Last shuttle reportedly leaves at 4.43pm.

In case you don’t know (and I didn’t!), a condition of Brighton’s permissions for the use of Withdean is that ALL games are all-ticket. Bet they can’t wait for their new ground.

After eight years of involvement with the Walsall Supporters’ Society [formerly the Trust], Phil Sturgess [Secretary], Dave Roe [Treasurer] and Richard Hall (Chairman) have decided to resign from the Society Board. They have taken this decision for a number of reasons. These include their increasing non-football commitments, alongside a sense that they have taken the Society as far as they can. They believe that new Society Board members, working alongside the remaining Board members, Neil Ravenscroft and Bob Thomas, will have the opportunity to re-fashion the relationship between the Society and the supporters of Walsall FC, and thereby make an impact with the Club and the Community.

There are 2 possible options for the Society.

1. Other interested WFC supporters come forward to join and to take the Society forward. Phil, Dave and Richard would work with a new Board to secure as seamless a transfer as possible. This is their preferred option. All three would remain as members, able to offer counsel and support as requested.

2. Should no-one come forward then we will seek to dissolve the Society under Rule 105 of our Rules for a Supporters Community Mutual. This would be a huge shame, as the Society is democratic and offers fans a vehicle to come together to promote change. Should the club come up for sale the Society could argue for a legitimate stake in any negotiations. To lose this would be sad.

Collectively the Board are committed to producing and making a success of the Reading the Game, Walsall Til I Die book of supporters’ voices. This is a real celebration of supporting Walsall FC, and is a fitting end-point for Phil, Dave and Richard’s involvement with the Society. All of us feel very proud of that book and hope that you will buy and enjoy it.

To pre-order the book, which will be available for £10, or to register an interest in joining the Society and moving it forward with a new Board [or as a new Board member] please email; enquiries@walsallfctrust.co.uk.

Has anyone started to think that this might be a long season? I mean, we get five goals one week (albeit we could have easily conceded more than the two we did in that game), then the following week, with the same side, we capitulate meekly at home, without ever over troubling the opposition defence. There is something not working at Walsall Football Club at the moment and those trouble need to be addressed before the season just fades away. We have two tough away games starting tomorrow, followed by an equally tough home game against Carlisle, with the possibility of a pointless September rearing its ugly head. The defending has to get better and the supply to the forwards has to find an awful lot more consistency.

Having said all of that, we should have some welcome reinforcements for tomorrow’s game at Bristol Rovers. Rhys Weston is likely to be fit and, if so, will almost certainly feature, although his lack of any proper pre-season may restrict his usefulness. Steve Roberts is also supposed to be fit to play, but, let’s face it, he has already failed to complete three games with injuries already this season, as well as missing another full game.

Dwayne Mattis, according to reports on the BBC, may also feature, but, not only has he been out for some time, he hasn’t even had the benefit of the reserve games that Weston has had, while the midfield is likely to be weakened by the absence of Hughes, who is only rated 50/50.

Quite what that means for selection we’ll have to wait and see, but, if Hughes is out, I don’t think we have the resources to play anything but a 4 4 2 and, even then, Mullen will have the conundrum of whether to play Demontagnac or Reich (or Zaaboub!) on the left and the right wing is even more problematic, with the possibility of Reich, Deeney or Nicholls – or even Palmer, should Weston play at full back. The central positions are likely to be filled by Taundry and Mattis (if he’s fit) or Bradley (if Mattis doesn’t make it).

Rovers have also been having their defensive woes, managing to score four at Peterborough last week and still ending up losing. They do, however, have defenders Danny Coles and Ryan Green back in training following injury and they might feature. If they do manage to tighten up at the back, they will be a real threat, however, with Rickie Lambert (SIX goals already this season) and Daryl Duffy (three this season). Goal scoring midfielder Craig Disley has yet to open his account and will need watching – he got their goal against us there last season.

Predictions?

Well, if we can keep clean sheets, I think we have the firepower (given the correct team selection) to win games. We just don’t look like keeping clean sheets, however and that unwelcome club record run without one is now only a couple of games away. It also seems that Mullen is struggling to find that balance in the side that allows us to keep it tight at the back yet still present a threat to the opposition. Unless he’s found something since last Saturday, I can only see a defeat being on the cards.