I know it's Walsall's report but even so.............

It reads just as badly as it sounded on the radio-two meagre half chances in the whole game</p>

VIEW from www.saddlers.co.uk</p>

THE SADDLERS put in an impressive display to ease through into the fourth round of the FA Cup at the expense of League One rivals, Barnsley as loan stars Michael Leary and Kevin James scored the goals in a comprehensive 2-0 win.</p>

Some battling play by Michael Leary saw him set up a shooting chance for Mads Timm on three minutes, but his effort landed well over.</p>

It was a positive start to the proceedings by The Saddlers with Timm showing some nice touches and a pacy burst down the wing by the recalled Ishmel Demontagnac forcing a corner which caused problems and saw appeals for a penalty as Demontagnac was brought down but the referee had already blown for handball against the youngster.</p>

Some space opened up in front of Leary on 11 minutes, inviting him to shoot from distance and his effort dipped just over with Nick Colgan in the visitors' goal struggling.</p>

The Saddlers spread the play well in the next attack which saw Mark Wright fed the ball and he cut inside before hitting a low shot that was easy for Colgan to gather.</p>

Shortly afterwards, the lively Kevin James found some space to run into only to see his attempt blocked by the alert Colgan.</p>

It was Walsall who were asking all the questions at this stage with Barnsley yet to seriously test our back-line.</p>

On 27 minutes an inviting long ball by Anthony Gerrard saw James give chase and win the race with Colgan but as the ball beat the 'keeper, former Saddler Matt Carbon was on hand to hook clear from right in front of goal.</p>

A long kick by Andy Oakes once more saw James give chase three minutes later and as the ball broke, Wright then Leary saw efforts blocked on the edge of the area as the visitors got men back.</p>

The Saddlers were playing at a good tempo for much of the half and looking the most likely side to break the deadlock. <font color="#ff0000">In fact, the only real opportunity of note for Barnsley was when Daniel Fox's mis-placed header almost played in Tommy Wright but both Craig Pead and Gerrard were alert to the danger to crowd him out.</font></p>

A double substitution at half-time saw Ian Roper and Simon Osborn replaced by Chris Westwood and Michael Standing respectively.</p>

Some tricky play by Timm with 56 minutes on the clock saw him cross low for Standing whose shot was blocked. Then moments later a break by Wright saw him drag a low cross-cum shot just wide as the second period started to come alive.</p>

<font color="#ff0000">At the other end, Paul Hayes, who scored the goal at Oakwell to force the replay, wasted an opportunity as he shot tamely at Oakes.</font></p>

Another defence-splitting ball by Timm on the hour-mark set Demontagnac away in chase, but Colgan was brave to beat him to it before the next attack saw Wright try his luck from distance but he was just off target.</p>

The Saddlers deservedly took the lead with 67 minutes on the clock when a quick long ball forward by Oakes was picked up by James who linked up well with Timm to send Leary bursting through the middle and he calmly rounded the 'keeper before slotting the ball home.</p>

It was a good all-round display from Paul Merson's men and the tough-tackling Leary ploughed through the midfield again ten minutes later before trying a shot that was blocked when a better option may have been to pass to James who found himself in acres of space to his left.</p>

It mattered not as minutes later Walsall were two goals to the good when Demontagnac showed pace out wide before his inviting cross found its way over to the far side where Wright delivered a cross that was met by a deft header from James that beat Colgan, as he had done in the original tie ten days earlier.</p>

With the game won, The Saddlers continued to play some nice stuff with Timm showing his skill on a numer of occasions and he almost added a third goal when he was allowed to run into space but his shot was blocked.</p>

The final whistle sounded to see Walsall safely into the fourth round after what was a fine performance from everyone in a red shirt.</p>

 

I stick by this ...

http://www.barnsleyfc.org.uk/bbs/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=18266&mid=112371#M112371

 

James & Leary score.

New signings taking their team forward.
Ours have no effect - or are cup tied.

I can't help going to games & wondering why I'm there.
I'm generally bored out of my tits & highly frustrated (not sexually).

It just goes to prove that football really is ****.

 

as I posted after the home leg

MoM was James-and I'd swap him for Shuker anyday!!

 

Good luck to them I say.

We were in the middle of the play off places when the transfer window opened.
We were 3 points away from the top of the table.
Other teams are strengthening.

We have signed a striker - who will hopefully do something eventually.
We have also signed a decent full back.

Even with only these two additions - we have a very handy team, but something is holding us back.

We have Sven in charge.