Walsall 2 Tranmere Rovers 1

Last updated : 05 April 2008 By Footymad Previewer
Super-sub Ishmel Demontagnac revived Walsall's play-off hopes as ten-man Tranmere Rovers saw their own promotion push suffer a setback at the Banks' Stadium.

Demontagnac had only been on the pitch for four minutes when his 59th-minute strike earned Walsall their first win in seven games - ending a dismal run of two points from 18.

Walsall had to earn their victory the hard way as they were trailing after just three minutes following Jennison Myrie-Williams' early strike.

But the game swung in Walsall's favour six minutes before half-time when Tranmere central defender Ben Chorley was sent-off - conceding a penalty in the process.

Tommy Mooney missed the spot-kick but Walsall were back on level terms in first-half stoppage time through Alassane N'Dour's first goal for the club.

Tranmere, who had won three of their last four games but are without a win on the road since beating Leeds United on February 2, never recovered from losing Chorley, and Demontagnac took advantage to keep Walsall in the play-off picture.

Walsall had been caught cold when they fell behind following a surging run from Andrew Taylor. His cross was met by Myrie-Williams who easily held off the attention of Walsall defender Richard Taundry to grab his third goal of the season with a powerful close-range header.

Tranmere were unable to build on their early advantage despite the best efforts of Taylor who fired just over the bar in the 27th minute and Walsall gradually imposed themselves on the game.

They should really have been back on level terms from the penalty spot in the 39th minute. Chorley was dismissed for his challenge on Kevin Betsy but Mooney was denied by a smart save from Danny Coyne.

But the loss of Chorley knocked Tranmere out of their stride and Walsall quickly made their extra man power pay when they drew level through N'Dour.

Tranmere failed to fully clear a cross from Lee Holmes and, when the ball fell to N'Dour, his deflected drive whistled past Coyne.

Tranmere struggled to come to terms with losing Chorley from the heart of their defence and Demontagnac exposed the space in their backline.

Rhys Weston's long cross was nodded down by Mooney into the path of Demontagnac whose angled left-foot drive whistled past Coyne.