Boss fears Bescot pitch hitch

Money was concerned to see the playing surface cut up in the damp conditions during yesterday's 1-0 win with 10 men against Shrewsbury.

And, although the Saddlers boss was full of praise for the way his players coped with the conditions to see off the Shrews, he is praying that the pitch holds together for the remainder of the season.

"I just hope that the pitch doesn't break up because we are a team that need to move the ball quickly on the ground to be at our best," said Money.

"It is a bit of a worry. I thought the lads did very well to pass the ball on what became a difficult surface to play on, and I just hope that it doesn't affect us too much in the games to come."

Money today began planning for Saturday's match against Bristol Rovers without on-loan striker Tommy Wright, who faces a three-match ban after his red card for a lunge on Shrewsbury midfielder Stuart Drummond.

Walsall were slightly unhappy with referee Andy D'Urso's decision to send Wright off, but a successful appeal seems unlikely.

"I thought it was harsh, but until I've seen it on the video I wouldn't really like to make any more comment about it," said Money.

"The referee saw it the way he saw it and he is the man who has to make the decision.

"There is nothing we can do about it, although at the time it was disappointing because it is always more difficult when you go down to 10 men. But the players responded very well and rose to the task."

Wright's absence leaves Martin Butler and Hector Sam as the only fit, recognised senior strikers for the remaining two Christmas matches, although winger Tony Bedeau has experience of playing up front and youngster Alex Nicholls is now fully fit.