Saddlers Memorable Matches

Sheffield United 0 Walsall 1 2 May 1981

Twenty One years before the same scoreline kept us in Division 1, the Saddlers travelled to Bramell Lane hoping to survive a drop from the Third Division.

Strangely it was between us and United for the remaining place in the Division and the pressure was heaped on us. Only a win would see us stay up and United drop down.

The game itself was as tense as would be expected and until the final five minutes, much of the match was a tactical battle in the middle of the park.

The last couple of minutes however will always remain in the minds of Walsall fans everywhere.

As the Saddlers went on a late serge, Alan Buckley was tripped in the penalty area and to the joy of the travelling fans the referee pointed to the spot.

Regular penalty taker Buckley stayed down however and it was left to Don Penn to cooly put us in front. At this point it was difficult to see us not surviving.

As the clock nudged towards 90 minutes, there was another twist. A foul by John Horne in our penalty box saw the referee again point to the spot. Survival rested on this penalty kick. The man who was brought down, Don Givens took the kick for United only to be denied by Walsall goalkeeper Ron Green.

This save saw us stay up and United relegated. I've always said Walsall always keep you on the edge of your seat!

Do you remember this match, were you at Bramell Lane that day. Let us know your memories on our forum.

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