Honours even at Orient

The Saddlers ended their losing streak and gained their first clean sheet of the season, in a 0-0 draw against Leyton Orient tonight.

The Saddlers dominated possession, but failed to produce many cutting edge chances at goal. Hutchings went with an unchanged side from the weekend, with Nicholls slotting in in an attacking right midfield position.

The game started slowly for the Saddlers as they enjoyed alot of possession, but not much else. Julian Gray came close early on before Oliver Lancashire's shot was saved from close range. Lescott was booked on 15 minutes for an ill timed tackle. Walsall were at least 'knocking on the door' of Leyton Orient, but their defence kept them at bay. Brain has regained much confidence in recent games and made some important saves throughout the night when Orient's dangers beckoned.

The 2nd half started much as the first, with Saddlers working hard, but not seeing many chances on goal. Will Grigg entered the field on 61 minutes in place of Jon Macken, who looked slow on the attack throughout the game. McDonald replaced Lancashire a short while after he took a knock. Lescott then did well as he closed down Ryan McGleish on 75 minutes. Grigg was on target for goal in the dying minutes when he was held back in the area, but the referee did not see fit to punish the home side.

It is a relief to Saddler fans that they didn't throw away the game yet again, and have the ability to keep the goals out. Matthew Richards and Ryan McGivern shone out, feeding the ball to eachother effectively throughout the game. As we welcome Yeovil on Saturday, the Saddlers can take heart from the performance and hopefully build upon it.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.