Walsall 1 Swindon Town 0

Last updated : 03 September 2005 By Footymad Previewer
Little Willie Carson knows all about thoroughbreds but the Swindon chairman would have been hard pushed to find any quality in this dismal game.

The one redeeming feature was the 57th minute winner from 19-year-old Matty Fryatt to give Walsall their first win in five league games.

The first half lacked sparkle and it was hardly surprising that there were no goals as Walsall were obviously determined not to be involved in a repeat of their previous home game when they slumped to a 5-2 defeat at the hands of Swansea.

Swindon opened on a promising note with efforts from Ricky Shakes and Stefan Miglioranzi but they failed to live up to their promise as Walsall mounted most of the attacking play.

The vintage skill of Paul Merson was a feature but the Saddlers lacked any finishing power.

They peppered Swindon's goal with Merson and Anthony Gerrard having their efforts deflected.

Without doubt the best move of the game came about when Jorge Leitao put Kris Taylor in possession and a first-time cross from the left was headed against the base of the post by Darren Wrack.

Wrack had the potential to win the game but these days he often seems uncertain of his actual role in Walsall's set-up.

Swindon's best goal attempts came from skipper Andy Gurney. His first attempt was flicked over the bar by Andy Oakes and early in the second period a header went just wide.

But the sad fact was that both teams lacked attacking drive and as a result the game failed to really sparkle.

Miglioranzi had one attempt finger-tipped away by the diving Oakes as both teams struggled to gain the upper hand.

Fortunately for Walsall Fryatt was on hand to tuck away the only goal 12 minutes into the second half.

Leitao headed down Taylor's cross and Fryatt coolly beat on-loan Tommy Heaton from close range.