Moss was the busier 'keeper as, although both teams were playing attractive passing football, Walsall's actually produced the more attempts on goal. O'Connor did have a shot on goal which went wide after a brief move from another Purches corner.
A cross from Leitao on Walsall's right gave Larrosa an open goal but only produced a very embarrassing mis-kick. Leitao was then brought down by Hart and Skora's freekick was well tipped over by a flying Moss.
Despite this we were playing some neat football with Foley and Surman prominent but our old trouble of the final pass was in evidence far too often.
Nil nil at half time but not boring.
The second half continued in the same vein but with Walsall always making more of their approach play. Moss had to make a number of saves but was beaten in the 67th minute. A cross from the right saw a Fryatt effort cleared off the line by Young but the ball was only half cleared and from the follow up cross from the left Fryatt scored with a diving header.
Our best chances were a Foley free kick from almost 30 yards that did not come down in time and Fletch running onto a flick through by Hayter and using his strength to hold off a defender before rolling his shot wide of the far post. Role reversal here!
The substitution of a tiring Purches (who had caused Young to be booked by giving the ball away on half way leaving Young to bring down the Walsall striker sprinting through) in the 77th minute by Stock and further changes a bit later of Fletch for Cooke (hardly like for like) and Rodrigues for Pitman (that's better) could not change our fortunes.
All that remained to happen was an unnecessary booking for O'Connor for an enthusiastic challenge at worst on their 'keeper. Apart from this Mr Tanner refereed the match very well allowing it to flow. However, one nil to Walsall it finished.
It was pleasing that we adopted an attacking formation for this match with Fletch and Rodrigues up front with Hayter just behind them. Purches and Fletch showed how much we missed them in patches but are not fully fit yet. Our play at times was good flowing football.....until the final third when the end result was just not there. How often has this been the case!!
Man of the Match is between Moss, Foley and
Surman. The last of these gets the nod for the general tidiness of his play. Unfortunately, although he tried hard, Dani had another indifferent game which must surely be caused by lack of confidence. We need to find a way to sort his head out and unleash his talent.
AFCB: Moss, Young, Hart, O'Connor, Purches, Cooper, Surman, Foley, Hayter, Fletcher, Rodrigues
Subs: Keene, Pitlan (on for Rodrigues, 77), Stock (on for Purches, 77), Browning, Cooke (on for Fletcher, 85)
Phil Nesbitt, Acocks Green