Walsall analysis: Home record takes a dent for slow-starters Saddlers
Walsall’s unbeaten home record in League Two ended without a whimper, as they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of AFC Wimbledon.
The Saddlers have made a habit of conceding early in games of late. It took Charlie Austin just two minutes to head Swindon into the lead at the County Ground last week, and 15 minutes for Matt Smith to bundle the ball home at Salford.
And they continued that unwanted trend for the visit of Wimbledon when Connor Lemonheigh-Evans curled the visitors into the lead inside six minutes.
Ali Al-Hamadi sprinted across the front of a sea of Walsall defenders before Oisin McEntee launched into a sweeping challenge.
The Irishman connected with the ball, although Lemonheigh-Evans was first to the loose ball.
He took it in his stride and unleashed a strike towards the left top corner, which Owen Evans was able to get a glove to, but was unable to keep out.
Walsall were also struck with a potentially serious injury for Priestley Farquharson earlier in the first half, as Mat Sadler’s defensive issues continue to intensify.
Sadler replaced Farquharson with Joe Riley, and dropped McEntee into the defence.
It was another poor start from the Saddlers, and the performance levels failed to improve, as Wimbledon dictated possession in the opening exchanges.
Despite struggling in almost every department, Walsall did have a golden chance to take the lead 10 minutes before the interval.
