Saddlers break Leeds home winning streak

LEEDS 1-2 WALSALL (L1)

Jubilant Walsall stopped Leeds in their tracks last nights, ruining their unbeaten home run this season. A McDonald goal gave the away team the victory.

Jamie Vincent nestled nicely next to Matthew Richards who remained at left back, allowing new boy Julian Gray to play left midfield.

The first half saw a battling Walsall to keep the score level, much if the action remained in the Leeds end, but Jermaine Beckford was kept quiet through a united Walsall defence. Clayton McDonald was booked for a heavy challenge, with Matt Richards putting a free kick just over the bar from just outside the area.

Leeds were booed into the changing rooms by the home supporters at half time, a job well done for the Saddler`s to keep the game so tight against such tough opposition. Mark Bradley replaced Peter Till at the break.

The second half did not disappoint as the action really kicked in, a tight Walsall team prevented Leeds to find their rythmn. The visiting supporters were barely back in their seats after half time when Mattis picked up a pass from Gray on the left and sent a sublime shot into the back of the net.

Solid work from both sides continued throughout the final 45 minutes, and it was a bungling Clayton Ince which allowed the home team to go level. McSheffrey took a bold strike from the left, and the keeper did not find his position in time to keep the shot out.

However, Walsall dropped no confidence. Ince saved a brave header from Becchio after a Beckford free kick, McDonald giving away the challenge.

As Leeds piled on the pressure, they could not quite get the chances they needed on goal, Beckford put a shot wide and Grandel`s efforts ended up safely in the arms of Ince.

It was on 81 minutes that Walsall were rewarded for their impressive display. A corner was taken after Ankegeren had already cleared a shot. A goal mouth bungle left Clayton McDonald forcing the ball over the line, only the linesman giving confirmation of the goal. A tense remaining fifteen minutes followed, but Walsall kept their lead.

It was a night to celebrate as the supporters made the trip south. They will be praying for the same performance on Saturday, as they entertain Brentford at the Bank`s Stadium.

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