By Mister Happy
December 7 2004

After a dismal first half showing Walsall managed to earn a third succesive league victory courtesy of the magnificent Matty Fryatt. The Saddlers lined up with all the usual culprits. Bennett and Roper filled in at the heart of the defence whilst the engine room consisted of Standing, Kinsella and Wrack. Merson loitered behind a front two of Leitao and Birch.

The first half was truly dreadful from a Saddlers perspective with the usual lack of width, imagination but more worryingly, effort. Hartlepool, organised but limited, were able to dictate the pace of the game dominating our midfield which in all honesty isn’t very difficult to do these days.

Although the monkey hangers played the better football they rarely troubled the Saddlers goal. That is, until the Saddlers back line decided to liven up proceedings and gift them a goal. A harmless punt was hoofed upfield towards Bennett who then proceeded to control it further forwards than Kinsella had played the ball all match; the ball bounced to a Pools player; Roper fell on his backside and the resultant shot took a deflection past Murphy.

Great start, not. Apart from a couple of scrambled efforts and one clearance off the line Saddlers were diabolical. Too often the ball was played from side to side as no options or runs were made up front. Inevitably possession was conceded.

Other than the goal the only other Pools effort nearly troubled the corner flag, but not quite.

Merson was not alone in looking completely unfit. Too many of the players were puffing and panting like old dogs after minimal effort.

As could be expected the players left the field at half time to a chorus of boos.

The players emerged for the second period of “entertainment” and quite rightly Merse took off the ineffective Birch and replaced him with Fryatt. What an inspired substitution that turned out to be.

From the first whistle the youngster tormented the Pools defence with his runs and skill. Mark Wright came more into the game and delivered a couple of good crosses before a decisive cross reached the back post, the gaffer headed across the box and the excellent Fryatt was on hand to poke home from 2 yards.

Walsall then dominated for a 15 minute period as we served up our usual footballing feast during which an excellent through ball from Merse found Leitao who volleyed superbly ( a mis hit surely!) to put the Saddlers in front.

Sadly, the onslaught never came. Hartlepool kept on probing and asked questions of the Saddlers defence and fortunately both Bennett and Roper dealt with all they could offer although Wrighty was trying his best to gift them an equaliser.

Overall, a very poor match with the Saddlers just about deserving the three points, although the surprisingly numerous visiting followers must be a touched “miffed” that they didn’t come away with a point.

Positives? The one and only Matty Fryatt. Truly magnificent.