George Bennett analysis: Walsall up and running as first win has Bescot buzzing
Mat Sadler was in the dugout for his official Bescot bow as Walsall chalked up their first conquest of the season with a 2-1 victory over Stockport County.
The Saddlers were forced to sit deep for the first 20 minutes and successfully soaked up the early pressure applied by Stockport.
It took just two minutes for the Hatters to find the net only for Villa loanee Louie Barry to be flagged offside. But Stockport continued to pose a dangerous threat to the Walsall defence with Paddy Madden dropping between the lines to link up play and Macauley Southam-Hales bombing down the right.
Madden knocked the ball out wide with his back to goal and Southam-Hales’ low cross was cleared back into his path. The Irishman’s swinging effort took a wicked deflection but Evans showcased his quick reactions to remain upright and keep hold of his strike.
Stockport felt they should’ve had a penalty when Nick Powell went down under a challenge from Evans. The Hatters boss Dave Challinor was incensed on the touch line but referee Jacob Miles was unmoved.
Madden then saw his near post volley blocked by Donervon Daniels as Walsall weathered the early storm.
A strong defensive structure provided Walsall with a perfect platform to build and they were rewarded when they drew first blood through Danny Johnson after 24 minutes.
Young centre-back Ethan Pye fluffed his clearance and was caught on his heals as Draper charged away from him down the right.
