Match Report-- And massive massive credit to the Walsall fans

So nervous before the game - bizarre to see Barry Conlon on the pitch but the players looked in good spirits in the warm-up and the fans were excellent.

Started quite slowly, but Walsall didn't really create anything, and then a Nardiello shot was deflected and saved, and I have no idea how Oakes managed to save the follow-up from Howard. Stunning save. A couple more scrambles occurred before the opening goal. Howard's perfect freekick met by Richards at the far post who powered it into the corner for his 12th of the season - cue pandemonium. Comfortable for the rest of the half really.

Walsall came out very fired up, but only after Nardiello missed two good chances - firstly scooping over after great work from Richards and then failing to round the keeper when through on goal. Walsall then attacked through dangerous winger Demontagnac and Taylor caused problems, Heckingbottom wrestled Taylor down. Penalty. No complaints from me, and I felt Hecky could have been sent off for it. Keates took it well, and then we got nervy. Colgan made a great save from James, and they had a couple of near-misses. Wright and McParland came on, and for the record, I thought they both did very well. Roper aimed a kick at Wright and was given a second yellow, Holden and Kinsella had a fight on the touchline, all very odd. Nardiello then missed another great chance after good work by Devaney.But then, Nardiello produced the moment of the match. Got the ball with nowhere to go, twisted and turned Pead until Pead took him out. His hands immediately went to his head - he knew it was a penalty. Nardiello held his nerve and took it perfectly. 2-1. Devaney then turned on the style, bamboozling them repeatedly in the corner to chants of "Disco" and "Lets all have a disco", and then was denied by a great save touching the ball onto the post after great work by McParland. Full time.

Ratings
Colgan 8 -- Flawless, again.

Tonge 7 -- Dodgy at times, but solid when needed with some vital challenges.

Kay 8 -- Very good.

Hassell 8 -- Excellent again.

Heckingbottom -- 6 Thought Taylor gave him a torrid time when he came on at halftime.

Shuker 6 -- Struggled a bit today.

Howard 7 -- Played pretty well, hope he was only replaced as a precaution.

McPhail 8 -- Excellent, as usual. Won vital headers in his own box, went very close with an excellent shot.

Devaney 8 -- Very impressive in general today. Sometimes doesnt do his defensive work but created great chances for Nardiello, hit the post, and was excellent in the game of keep-ball.

Nardiello 7.5 -- It would have been less but for the goal, but in the end, he did what he needed to do and won us the game. He missed chances, but I have to make one minor criticism of the fans today -- the stick he was getting before he scored was nonsense. Screaming for him to be replaced...who did you want on? Conlon!? Nardi worked quite hard, and got himself into shooting positions. Everyone knows I'm a Hayes fan, but that doesn't mean I don't like Nardiello too, and he did what he needed to do today, AND for the record I thought he worked quite hard.

Richards 7.5 -- Much much better. Held up the ball, good touches, and particularly looked good after his goal. Good header, and yes, he needed it.

Well done to the subs too.

Now to the aftermath. The fans were superb. Atmosphere was excellent, and when both sets of fans then flooded onto the pitch, I feared the worst. But what followed was superb. Walsall fans began applauding on the pitch, followed by hand shaking, hugging, and even fan shirt-swapping. Unbelievable stuff and great credit to BOTH sets of fans.

Today was a great experience (good to see Lee, Allen, Spartacus, James, etc too) and I can't wait for the playoffs. Possibly bring Reid in for Tonge and put Hayes on the bench for Conlon, but other than that, leave the lineup as it is. COME ON YOU REDS!

 

Fight between Holden and Kinsella?

Didn't see that. Was it just verbals or were there any fists thrown? (seestars)

 

It was at 2-1 when Walsall appealed for a penalty..

They went mad, and Holden was clearly offended by something. They went head-to-head, not sure what followed.