Walsall have a reputation of being Nottingham Forest's bogey team of recent years. Certainly during the 2000's this has been case and the 90's saw a famous cup win. Before the 1997 League Cup win under Jan Sorenson's reign, Forest had a 100% record against us. The turning point in the record between the two teams was the 1997 cup encounter in the September following Forest's relegation from the Premiership. The first tie Walsall won 1-0 away at the City ground and we brought our lead back to Bescot.  Despite losing the first leg Forest were still tipped to go through in front of the SKY TV cameras. It was a rememberable game at the Bescot and Walsall ended up winners after extra time with Andy Watson scoring the winner. Walsall progressed through to the next round drawing 2-2 on the night and winning 3-2 on aggregate.  One moment of play that still stands out in the memory was Pierre Van Hoijdonk going to lob Jimmy Walker from within his own half.  the keeper was beat but the shot hit the crossbar and went to safety!!

Our next league encounter was in the 1999/2000 season these do not possess so fond memories. Forest did the double over us in our first season in the first division (now championship). In the 4-1 loss Walsall had Jimmy Walker was sent off and we never looked winners after that point.

Since then however Walsall have gone 8 games unbeaten against the former European Champions. The games have often been full of goals we won 3-2 away in the 2001/2 season and we produced a terrific display in the 4-1 win at home in 2003. Despite this win Walsall would get relegated that season but Forest followed us to relegation the season after.

This season we were 3-1 victors in the second game of the season. Westwood scored from a corner, Matty Fryatt scored a penalty won by Jorge and Mark Wright scored a super goal to round things off. Forest had their keeper Pedersen sent off when the penalty was given and struggled there after.

So in conclusion Walsall Vs Forest is always a eventful encounter and in recent years a fixture that has seen lady luck has shine down on the Saddlers. Heres hoping both remain the same tomorrow!