By Bored Saddler
September 3 2005

A goal from Matty Fryatt ensured Saddlers gathered all three points from a game that was as exciting as watching a pair of mating hippo's. Saddlers lined up with Kris Taylor filling in at left back and Gerrard partnering Westwood in the heart of the defence. The midfield trio, quartet, quintet (delete as appropriate) consisted of a fluid composition of Wrack, Osborn, Standing, Merson and Leitao.

Walsall began the brighter of the two sides and on 5 minutes were unlucky not to have gained the lead. A delightful free kick from the gaffer found Fryatt at the back stick who forced a tremendous save from Heaton in the visiting goal.

Swindon looked quite lively on the counter attack and a mis hit come cross nearly caught out Oakes who recovered and managed to tip it over the bar. From the corner Fallon headed towards the bottom corner and fortunately for Saddlers, Man of the Match Pead cleared off the line.

That was about as good as it got for Swindon. The big number 8 - Fallon always looked to be a threat without actually being a threat. He got into all the right positions but will soon become well acquainted with the words "cows ass and banjo".

Saddlers piled on the pressure and a good run from leitao took him clear of the visiting defence only for him to fluff his lines with a lame back pass to the keeper.

Walsall forced a succession of corners and Gerrard was twice denied by the visiting defence. Further chances came and went for Walsall. A good flick on from Fryatt found Merson who lashed one from 25 yards heading towards the bottom corner only for it to be deflected wide.

As half time approached Saddlers created the most clear cut chance of the half. Taylor deliverd a sweet cross onto the head of Wrack who was unfortunate to see it come back off the post.

Swindon began the second half in a much more lively fashion and attempted to work to a new game plan which consisted of shooting, something they failed to do during the entire first half. After a few sighters they very nearly took the lead only being denied by a full length save from Oakes.

Saddlers eventually took the lead courtesy of Matty Fryatt. Jorge jumped highest to win a flick on and nodded it directly into Fryatt's path six yards from goal. The striker could hardly miss with the goal gaping.

After the goal the game faded and became even more pedestrian. Swindon couldn't do anything because of a distinct lack of ability and Saddlers seemingly couldn't be bothered to up the tempo.

After 3 minutes of injury time the ref put us all out of our misery.

So, after a poor performance it's another 3 points in the bag. However, we will need to play better against a decent outfit.