The Opponent: Walsall
Only a few short nights ago we gathered under the lights of The County Ground and witnessed, in my opinion, yet another fantastic display of football. I think Flash pointed out a few days back that maybe now is a good time to take stock, 12 games in, some decent form in the cups, and it has to be said, Mark Cooper is doing a decent job. It seems this is the general opinion, I’m sure not everyone thinks so and I have no doubt 4 straight defeats would soon lead to effigies of Cooper and McRory being torched in the bad lands of Cavendish Square, but for me, well done Mark Cooper, credit where credit is due. I know he doesn’t show his emotions that much in the post match interviews but for a man, with the greatest of respect, with his past record in management, he must be pretty satisfied with what has been achieved so far. A long way to go indeed, but a really good effort so far, and some of the best football I have seen at the County Ground for many years.
The town of Walsall is home to some 180’000 folk, which surprised me, they certainly know how to pack them in up in The West Midlands. Historically, Walsall was part of The County of Staffordshire but now comes under The West Midlands, although to call them Brummies is somewhat wide of the mark as the local dialect is known as Yam Yam, which is shared with other parts of The Black Country. Interestingly, a local landmark is Barr Beacon, which is reportedly the highest point following its latitude eastwards until the Ural Mountains in Russia! Why I never knew this information before now baffles me. For many years, Walsall was the West Midlands answer to Blackpool with a stunning array of illuminations, which are sadly now a thing of the past due to financial restraints. The local council promised lots of different attractions in its place although nothing has materialised, in all truths, is it possible to squeeze Walsall and attraction in the same sentence?
The Last Time We Met – Back in March we played out a 2-2 draw at The County Ground in front of just over 8’400 with goals from the now departed Andy Williams and Simon Ferry.
They have served us both – Jimmy Kelly, Jimmy Davies, Iffy, Grant Smith, Paul Smith, Claude Gnapka, Jamie Vincent, Fitzroy Simpson, Peter Eastoe, Willie, Penman, Trevor Benjamin (was there anyone he didn’t play for?)
Where the opposition gather – http://www.upthesaddlers.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=43551Walsall Last 6 – WDDLDW (Currently 9th on 19 points, they have already picked up away wins at Crewe and Wolves so far this season).
The Odds – Swindon 4/5 Draw 5/2 Walsall 7/2 The wife managed to predict the 2-0 scoreline last Friday evening, sadly we had a grand total of £3 on it, the big bucks was put on the 4-0 scoreline, which after half an hour looked well and truly on the cards!
The Son Says – Another 2-0 home win and a random prediction of 199 away fans.
The Prediction – Walsall seem a decent enough outfit and have picked up a few decent results a few times this season. I don’t think a few decent results will be enough to see them past us tonight, we have too much up front for most teams, Walsall included. 3-1 with goals from a fit Nathan Thompson, Nile Ranger and Yaser Kasim. 7'722 in attendance with 233 from Walsall.
And Finally – The town's WW1 cenotaph is located on the site of a bomb which was dropped by Zeppelin 'L 21', killing the town's mayoress, and two others. Damage from the Zeppelin can still be seen on what is now a club on the corner of the main road.
