Classic Match - Walsall 4 West Brom 1 Division One August 9 2003

Each week, we want fans to nominate a favourite game from the past and tell us why it's important to them. We'll then publish the full match report each Friday.

Match Report

Man-of-the-match Paul Merson inspired Walsall to a stunning opening day victory against promotion favourites Albion.

Merson was the derby day destroyer with two superb strikes that set Saddlers on the wqay.

The former England man struck twice from outside the area with George Leitao and Steve Corica both netting before Jason Koumas grabbed a consolation.

Albion made the more positive start and earned the first corner. A good delivery from Koumas almost resulted in a goal as new boy Volmer arrived powerfully and sent a diving header flying over.

Walsall's first advance into the Albion half almost embarrassed Gregan when Leitao nipped in to steal the ball as the defender attempted to run it out of play. Gregan managed to recover and take the ball off the striker with Bolmer tidying up.

But Albion, roared on by a 3,000 travelling contingent was soon snapping at Walsall again with Dichio seizing on a loose pass from Merson to feed Koumas, whose ambitious effort curled wide of the target.

There were problems for the Saddlers after 10 minutes when Roper fell awkwardly following an aerial challenge. He lay motionless and had lengthy treatment before being stretchered off and was replaced by Wrack. He slotted in a wing-back and Bazeley switched to the back three.

Bescot erupted when Saddlers took the lead courtesy of absolute stunning strike from MERSON.

There seemed little danger when Corica pulled back a right-wing cross but from just outside the box the Saddlers skipper unleashed a superb volley that flew over Hoult and into the top corner.

The goal sparked an immediate response from Albion with Koumas jinking dangerously towards the Saddlers area before his progress was halted by Hay.

Saddlers were not sitting back to protect their lead and survived another Albion thrust when Haas sliced a shot into the crowd.

Walsall goals: Merson 18' 39', Leitao 45', Corica 57'

Albion goals: Koumas 70'

Walsall: Walker; Hay, Roper (Wrack 12), Emblen, Bazeley; Osborn, Merson (Oakes 89), Samways, Aranalde; Corica, Leitao (Birch 77).

Subs not used: Kerr, Matias.

West Brom: Hoult; Gregan, Sigurdsson (Wallwork 35 (Sakiri 72)), Volmer, Haas; O'Connor, Johnson, Koumas, Clement; Dichio (Dobie 54), Hulse.

Subs not used: Murphy, Gilchrist.

Albion were forced into a change 10 minutes before the break, when Wallwork replaced Sigurdsson.

Amazingly ans despite enjoying the bulk of possession, Albion found themselves again in arrears six minutes before the break and once again it was magic man MERSON who was on target .

Aranalde played a key role in the build-up, breaking down the left and putting in a low cross that just escaped Leitao.

But Albion failed to clear their lines and as the ball broke outside the area, Merson released a thunderous right foot drive that flew into the roof of the net.

Saddlers supporters were in dreamland moments before half-time when LEITAO fired home a third.

Osborn was the man who created the opening when he broke from midfield and smacked a right-foot shot wide of Hoult. As the ball bounced back off a post Leitao steered home for the rebound.

After half-time, Walsall were looking full of confidence and Corica caused alarm when he created time and space to deliver a cross that was headed clear by Clement.

Saddlers then went close to putting the game beyond doubt when a Merson corner picked out Emblen, but the defender was left holding his hands after glancing a header inches over.

But the crowd didn't have to wait for the killer punch too long after, when Australian CORICA matched Merson's stunning strike, unleashing a wonderful dipping volley beyond Hoult.

Once again there was nothing the keeper could do other than marvel at the quality of the strike.

Albion were now looking for a mere consolation, but their route to goal was being blocked by some solid defending by both Haye and Arandale.

Maerson's impact was even being hailed by Albion fans with Walsall's star turn gaining a sporting round of applause when he wentr to take a corner.

The Baggies fans were finally given some consolation when KOUMAS pulled a goal back.

There was a touch of fortune about the goal with his right foot shot taking a deflection that left Walker helpless.

But it could do nothing to spoil dominant3 Walsall's day.