Walsall 9 Boston United 14 bad ones!!

Last updated : 28 January 2007 By Footymad Previewer
Scott Dann's own goal cost Walsall the chance to strengthen their position at the top of the table as battling Boston collected a priceless point at the Bescot in their battle to avoid relegation.

Walsall, who have been at the summit for the last 15 games, have suddenly found life as leaders uncomfortable having picked up just one point from their last two games.

Martin Butler had looked set to put them on their way to a 12th home win before the luckless Dann intervened in the 25th minute.

But the point was a battled one for Boston who have lost 10 of their away games- the joint worst record on the road in League Two.

Walsall struggled to cope with their more powerful style of play with Paul Ellender leading by example at the centre of defence with a real captain's display.

Boston could even have pulled off a shock victory but for Walsall goalkeeper Clayton Ince who dived bravely at the feet of Francis Green in the 78th minute following Jason Kennedy's through ball.

With Ellender forming a huge barrier, Walsall's chances were few and far between with Daniel Fox being denied in the closing moments by a one handed wonder save from Andy Marriott.

Walsall had been unfortunate not to break the deadlock after eight minutes when Ellender cleared a Dean Keates free-kick off the line. But they only had to wait another 11 minutes to strike through Butler, although there was some good fortune about his 10th goal of the season.

He raced on to a long clearance from Ince and collided with Marriott. Marriott could justifiably claim to have been fouled but referee Grant Hegley saw nothing wrong with the challenge as Butler fired into an empty net.

It was tough on Boston who had held their own before Butler's goal.

Boston had quickly worked out that Walsall were vulnerable in the air - even more so after Ian Roper limped off with an ankle injury.

The fact their equaliser came from a high right-wing cross was no great surprise. Jamie Clarke lifted over the centre and Mark Greaves' nod down was sliced into his own goal by Dann under pressure from Justin Richards.

Walsall went close at the death with a Gerrard free kick, teed up for Daniel Fox who sent in a pile-driver which Boston;s keeper must have been un-sighted for.

But Boston survived all game, with bad challenge after bad challenge. Shockingly, referee G Heglee from Hertfordshire decided to keep his cards in his pocket. Which came as great surprise with Boston showing a great creativity in a variety in fouls. Today witnessed two footed challenges, off the ball incedents, above shin AND stud showing tackles ... The list goes on.... If only their football was so thought out!

A League Two contest it was.