Walsall came away with a useful point at Scunthorpe but following a terrific late spell could easily have come away with all three.The man who prevented a seemingly unlikely win was ex-Saddler Joe Murphy who made a string of fine saves to keep the home side in the game.
The game was played in absolutely shocking weather conditions.Driving wind and rain for the whole duration of the game made it difficult for both sides to play much controlled football, such was the intensity of the adverse
conditions.
It was good to see Rhys Weston back in the line up especially with Anthony Gerrard out and he and Manny Smith coped well in the middle.The game got off to an uneventful start with both teams trying to master the conditions.
On 25 minutes the highly promising Henri Lansbury-on loan from Arsenal- tested Clayton Ince with a shot that the keeper did well to beat away.Not too much was seen of Walsall as an attacking force in the first half and it was quite noticeable that Chris Palmer was giving his man far too much space and not finding his men with passes.
The home side were getting worryingly close with a few chances that came their way but Troy Deeney was so unlucky with a header that hit the underside of the bar mid way through the second half following a Zaaboub free kick.Scunthorpe took the lead on 79 mins when substitute Kayode Odejayi scored with a close range header.
Troy Deeney found himself with only Murphy to beat but somehow fired wide however he was rewarded for all his hard work when he hammered home a terrific goal on 84 mins.
Walsall were enjoying a good spell in the closing stages. Murphy made two wonderful saves to his left to prevent excellent efforts from Deeney and Alex Nicholls.Scunthorpe were getting close to finding the net in what was an entertaining end to the match.
It was such a spirited reply from Walsall who played with such determination to not only get back level but look for the winner. The Saddlers got a terrific reception from their fans at the final whistle who were so proud of the lads for the way they stuck to the task.This never-say-die attitude is just what Chris Hutchings and Martin O'Connor want and expect of the players.Final word
must go to Troy Deeney.He looks the part each time he plays and strolled over at the end to give his shirt to eager fans who had chanted his name. What a hero!