Walsall 0-1 Wolves

As we reported in the preview to this game, the match was in serious doubt. This was due to the playing surface at Walsall`s Bescot Stadium. The pitch had been the victim of the harsh weather lately and, after two pitch inspections the game was give the "OK" and Wolves went on to secure 3 points.

Dave Jones stuck with the same side which dumped Newcastle United out of the cup last week. Wolves played 4-4-2, with Murray, Irwin, Naylor, Lescott and Butler at the back, Kennedy, Newton, Cameron and Ince in midfield behind a strike force of George Ndah and Kenny Miller.

Wolves adapted to the terrible pitch conditions early on and settled quickly, however neither team were able to play flowing football due to the ball constantly being caught amongst one of the many divets which appeared as the game went on.

Martin O`Connor then fouled Shaun Newton on the edge of the area. The foul was bad enough and worth the booking but the Ex-Blues skipper then threw the ball in the direction of the Official in frustration. Nobody could argue with the booking received for the tackle but many would argue that the Referee should have also booked him for throwing the ball away, as a result O`Connor would have had to leave the field and the ball moved 10yrds further forward to the centre of the goal - this not surprisingly did not happen and Irwin blazed the resulting free-kick high and wide..

On 26 minutes Cameron blazed over after an assist from Jo Lescott before O`connor`s tame shot was claimed by Matt Murray. The pathetic pitch conditions were now playing a huge part on the game as free-flowing football was not to be found and the game turned into a scrappy midfield battle.

Just before the break Naylor fired a shot well wide from 35yrds and the half ended without either keeper having a save to make.

Half Time – Walsall 0-0 Wolves

The Second half was no better than the first, although this half did contain a comedy moment in which Wolves used to their full advantage to steel the Three points from Walsall..

Neither side were able to take control of the game and again it became a midfield battle with very few opportunities.

Darren Wrack was booked for a nasty challenge on Shaun Newton. The Winger needed a lot of treatment and was then replaced by recalled Striker Adam Proudlock. Kenny Miller made way to the right-hand-side to play on the wing and Proudlock partnered George Ndah in attack.

On 62 Minutes Wolves took the lead in a goal which would easily suit A Question Of Sports "What Happend Next" round. Walsall Centre-Back Danny Hay played a tame back-pass back to `keeper Jimmy Walker who swung a leg into thin air and the ball trickled past him as he scrambled too scoop the ball back before it crossed the line only for poacher George Ndah to score a simple tap-in to send the home supporters in dismay as the Wolves fans celebrated in fits of laughter at the mistake of the game.

Junior then came close for the Saddlers as a corner was poorly cleared only for his shot to drift wide of Matt Murrays far post..

Mark Kennedy was booked for time-wasting late on and the game finished in the way it had been conducted - Scrappy and untidy.

Full Time - Walsall 0-1 Wolves