Walsall kick-started their EFL League Two season by bringing back three points with a hard fought 2-1 home victory over Swindon Town.
The newly named Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium saw five new additions come into the line-up Mat Sadler’s side after their heartbreaking play-off final defeat to AFC Wimbledon at the end of last season.
Meanwhile, Swindon Town fans got to see the addition of the highly anticipated Jake Tabor, albeit from the bench, who has some labelling him ‘the next Jamie Vardy’.
Sadler’s fans had the first cheer of the day as Evan Weir curled the ball into the top right of the goal from his free-kick just eight minutes into the action.
Walsall maintained a heavy press which created many chances in the opening twenty minutes, seeing cross after cross, each one however falling short of a final touch to extend the lead.
Their momentum would be dented somewhat when Brandon Comley received a straight red card in the 21st minute for the denial of a goalscoring opportunity, leading the home side to make a substitution shortly after – Lewis Warrington entered the field of play, replacing Jonny Stuttle.
Swindon gained a little bit more control following the red card and were able to craft some chances of their own, putting everyone in the attacking half when they had the possession.
Botan Ameen came on five minutes before the end of the half for Gavin Kilkenny but had little chance to make an impact before the break.
The hosts led 1-0 at half time after a strong opening twenty minutes before Comley’s red card halted any momentum that was there previously.
Ian Holloway opted to make a change for the visitors before the kick-off of the second half, bringing on Paul Glatzel for Aaron Drinan.
A free kick on the edge of the area taken by Swindon’s Finley Munroe straight after the restart sent the away fans into delirium thinking they had pulled level, but the strike hit the side-netting sparing Walsall blushes.
Jake Tabor introduction brought excitement to the away crowd with a cheer of that matching a goal when he entered the pitch in the 55th minute.
But, it was Aaron Pressley almost extended the lead for the Saddlers, but his header from a Connor Barrett cross went over the bar.
Perhaps as a result of using Pressley as the sole target forward lead to his yellow card, Referee Oliver Mackley deeming his physical play to be too much earning the striker a yellow card, which would be his last action before being substituted off for Albert Adomah in the 66th minute.
This wasn’t the only change however, as Courtney Clarke came on for the home side, replacing Jamie Jellis – who had played well throughout, and James Ball replace Tom Wilson-Brown for Swindon Town.
Swindon would earn a penalty in the 80th minute when Harry Smith was dragged down before they could get on the end of a low cross, with the spot kick converted by Will Wright to bring the away side back to level pegging.
Seven additional minutes were to be played, but Walsall needed no additional time as in the 90th minute Connor Barret ran through the Swindon press and slotted the ball past the keeper with the cleanest of contact.
Unbelievably, Swindon drew level in the 97th minute with a Harry Smith header, but that was ruled out for offside keeping the hosts lead and giving Walsall all three points on the opening day.
Football is well and truly back, with good performances from both sides to start the season, and Walsall adapting to ten men exceptionally well, managing to keep Swindon out until the penalty kick late in the game.
