Walsall Match Reports

[NorthamptonBee]

Absolute gash, total dominance in the 2nd half with 2 late goals that stole a point.
We never started the game, didn't impose ourselves at any time in the first half, Walsall are limited but they pass and move and Butler wins everything in the air at the back, they are lightweight and nervy and sit back in games, Forshaw drove us forward and we created chances but didn't really look like scoring, Clayton must have missed 6, Douglas had at least 2 and Farid put in a superb spin but hit the bar. Douglas was rubbish in the middle and even worse on the left wing but then pops up with a stunning strike, Barron was poor but had nothing to do with us being 2 goals down, Moore pulled off a worldy at 0-0 and did his job well bar those bloody kicks out of touch, Dean was immense, Craig was poor, Logan didn't fire, Dave was rubbish but unlucky to be subbed as at least he wasn't hiding and tried to get involved IMO. Saunders was bad, Farid worked his arse off, Clayton had a crap game but came alive at the right time, his run after the goal nearly led to a deflected winner. We were lucky and it feels like a win, I feel punch drunk but deeop down I know that a point is poor at Walsall. I'm off out now to celebrate this point, KOC has an ordinary game. If we play like that against better we will get slaughtered, I'm sure Uwe and co know this.Celebreate with a pint tonight as nothing will steal that smile off my face this evening.

[cheshirebee]

Really confused. Can't decide if we are appaling or there is a really good side in there trying to come out if the right tactics are used and 100% effort and intensity are applied for a full 90 mins. Absolute crap in first half and deservedly 2 goals behind but you've got to acknowledge some character in coming back to 2-2.
Totally dominated possession and territory in the second half but without really creating clear cut chances until the 2 late goals both of which were quite scrappy tbh even if Douglas's finish was excellent.
Credit to Moore (terrific finger tip save in first half), Saunders (kept at it even in first half), Forshaw (composed, skillful and purposeful), maybe Donaldinho who did cause them problems throughout. The Millwall duo were rubbish again, Douglas poor and slow for most of the game. Logan very subdued going forward.
Good Bees turnout (500 ?), understandably quiet for the first 80 mins but certainly woke up in the last 10 !!

[Hanwell_Bee]

Agree with the above posts.
Crap first half but better in the second. I just don't get this team, we put in a decent performance last week and then a scrappy bitty performance today. Forshaw did well and to be honest this point feels like a win.

[readingbee]

Absolute gash, total dominance in the 2nd half with 2 late goals that stole a point.
We never started the game, didn't impose ourselves at any time in the first half, Walsall are limited but they pass and move and Butler wins everything in the air at the back, they are lightweight and nervy and sit back in games, Forshaw drove us forward and we created chances but didn't really look like scoring, Clayton must have missed 6, Douglas had at least 2 and Farid put in a superb spin but hit the bar. Douglas was rubbish in the middle and even worse on the left wing but then pops up with a stunning strike, Barron was poor but had nothing to do with us being 2 goals down, Moore pulled off a worldy at 0-0 and did his job well bar those bloody kicks out of touch, Dean was immense, Craig was poor, Logan didn't fire, Dave was rubbish but unlucky to be subbed as at least he wasn't hiding and tried to get involved IMO. Saunders was bad, Farid worked his arse off, Clayton had a crap game but came alive at the right time, his run after the goal nearly led to a deflected winner. We were lucky and it feels like a win, I feel punch drunk but deeop down I know that a point is poor at Walsall. I'm off out now to celebrate this point, KOC has an ordinary game. If we play like that against better we will get slaughtered, I'm sure Uwe and co know this.Celebreate with a pint tonight as nothing will steal that smile off my face this evening.

Thanks NB. how did Hayes look when he came on and would you start him before CD on today's showing ??

[JimLevack]

Northampton Bee's report is pretty much spot on... Rosler was biting his tongue in the post match interviews but felt - like the rest of us - that a point at Walsall is not good enough.
Harlee Dean was exceptional, Forshaw probed and prompted and for IMO Bidwell is different gravy.
Not sure what is going on with Douglas... maybe he takes a while to get into his rhythm in a season but he looked sluggish and leaden footed for long spells today. Made up for it with a cracking goal mind.
Sam Saunders id at his best when he's harrying, Clayton needs to be far more physical but did well after the break and El Alagui worked hard with some clever little knock downs.
In a nutshell this side is capable of playing many others in this division off the park BUT they have to earn the right to do that and that means being strong, physical and in the opposition's face.
Until, the last 30 minutes today we weren't - when we were up and at them and more direct, we scored twice.

[Simon W]

Absolute gash, total dominance in the 2nd half with 2 late goals that stole a point.
We never started the game, didn't impose ourselves at any time in the first half, Walsall are limited but they pass and move and Butler wins everything in the air at the back, they are lightweight and nervy and sit back in games, Forshaw drove us forward and we created chances but didn't really look like scoring, Clayton must have missed 6, Douglas had at least 2 and Farid put in a superb spin but hit the bar. Douglas was rubbish in the middle and even worse on the left wing but then pops up with a stunning strike, Barron was poor but had nothing to do with us being 2 goals down, Moore pulled off a worldy at 0-0 and did his job well bar those bloody kicks out of touch, Dean was immense, Craig was poor, Logan didn't fire, Dave was rubbish but unlucky to be subbed as at least he wasn't hiding and tried to get involved IMO. Saunders was bad, Farid worked his arse off, Clayton had a crap game but came alive at the right time, his run after the goal nearly led to a deflected winner. We were lucky and it feels like a win, I feel punch drunk but deeop down I know that a point is poor at Walsall. I'm off out now to celebrate this point, KOC has an ordinary game. If we play like that against better we will get slaughtered, I'm sure Uwe and co know this.Celebreate with a pint tonight as nothing will steal that smile off my face this evening.

You can't beat a good honest, no nonsense report .. thanks NB!

[rosenewstead]

Im pleased with a point but am really worried about having to come back from 2 down. It was the same team that started last week and looked quite good.
If we want to go up or be in the play offs we have to tighten up at the back. And play for 90minutes not just when we are behind home or away.

[jbolas]

Defensive mistakes and too many missed chances meant we were vulnerable to an average Walsall side. Harlee & Farid played well, Douglas was non existent and looked uninterested and unfit. A lack of pressing from the midfield, allowed Walsall to take the game to us which led to them scoring twice. Great scenes at the end but more is needed in order to progress up the table. Pleased with Bidwell's short cameo appearance and look forward to seeing him play frequently throughout the season. Glad to see most Bees left with a smile on their face!

[devonbees]

Glad we were able to score the two late goals, that doesn't happen regularly enough from a non-winning position. For the next game, Bidwell to start ahead of Barron, Legge instead of Craig, Forshaw instead of Dave and anyone instead of Douglas. Is this the same Douglas as last year???? I think overall there is a lot to be positive about though, just need to play our best players.

[brighton bee]

4 in 4 for Donaldson now-I still think he can step up a notch as well!

[Owlsmoor_Bee]

Thanks NB. how did Hayes look when he came on and would you start him before CD on today's showing ??

Hayes looked lost in whatever position he was asked to play in. Clayton was no more than ok today but has scored 4 in 4. That alone means he has to start IMO.

[RitchBee]

A fairly even first twenty minutes or so, we just start to get on top and then defensive errors (Saunders) gives the ball away, a minute later we are 2 down. We were always looked suspect on the break and got caught a number of times. Interesting for about 10 mins Uwe sat in the away technical area. We come out second half and impose ourselves. A lot of huff and puff but with no end result, missed oppotunaties and finally in the last 5 mins we get ourselves back in match. Forshaw prompted, Harlee was a leader. Dave hauled off could have been anyone in that first half. Late cameo from Hayes. In the end a point rescued from nothing.

[Bill Benn]

Thanks for reports but very confused following the updates and reports from afar.The main cause for us to not get the 3 points was Clayton missing easy chances,could have had 6 according to NB.But there seems to be some blaming the "Millwall 2"Have read that Saunders Craig Logan Dean were at fault for their goals.We went a whole season giving Clayton the benefit of the doubt but seem to be quick to label these new comers as useless.People will point towards Clayton getting 4 goals in 3 games but if the team are not winning games through his mistakes in front of goal then he is as bad as the defenders.Douglas seems to be a concern l hope Uwe will be consistent in dropping players who are not performing.Next weeks starting line up will be interesting hope he can find a place for Forrester With Dallas Hayes and Adeyemi also pressing for a game still think this squad is capable of top 6 Finish.

[Bill Benn]

Hayes looked lost in whatever position he was asked to play in. Clayton was no more than ok today but has scored 4 in 4. That alone means he has to start IMO.

Even though he missed a hatfull?

[Owlsmoor_Bee]

Even though he missed a hatfull?

He missed 3 or 4 really good chances but he scored in the end and he wasn't responsible for the criminal defending that led to their two goals. He wasnt't the only one who missed good opportunities either. I think Craig and Barron have been on the end of some overly critical comments, but Barron certainly is becoming harder to defend. Misses aside, Clayton generally contributes positively to games. It's harder to say the same about Barron thus far.

[SQUELCH]

Far too many negatives for me today - i understand the can't change a winning team mentality but surely you pick a team to win the match regardless of the previous result. Rosler is normally good at doing his homework but he got it badly wrong today.

As already mentioned above - Saunders was poor today -crossing was bad and corners were even worse - couldn't beat the first man on several occasions and looked a little lost at times in that so called role of playing off the top two. Time for Harry me thinks to have a run of matches.

Barron looks like he has missed a pre season, trying too hard and nervous as hell. He's still finding out the movement of his fellow players and timing is an issue but that will all come. Then again Bidwell slotted straight in and made no mistakes. The defence needs a vocal leader - that could be Dean who got better as the match went on - someone who can shake it up a little and be that tough / shouty guy - we need it IMO!!!

We really could have won this 7-2 but missed a load of chances - Donaldson is our own Andy Cole isnt he? misses 5 and scores 1............ as a striker himself though how long will Uwe take before he becomes frustrated - at least Hayes is there waiting in the wings.

I can't decide on Douglas.......... he scored a good goal and then nearly smashed in an equaliser, also missed a few other chances - but least he was there they? but the whole formation looked weird -everyone at times looked a bit am i supposed to be here???

We looked too narrow at times but caused no end of problems in the air when the ball came in from the wings.

Good support in numbers and yes the vocals kicked in at the end but the numbers there was decent compared to previous seasons and yes only took me 50 mins to get home

[North London Bee]

Not good enough but it looked a lot better at 4.55 than it did at 4.40pm. We started sluggishly and would have been a goal down but for a worldy save by Moore. The back 4 looked porous apart from the wonderful Dean who strode like a colossus amongst the pygmies around him. The diamond didn't really work early on and Walsall looked neat and quick but very light weight.

Suddenly we came alive and wasted 4 decent chances before the turning point - a controlled Saunders volley cleared off the line by the sprawling Butler. Hd that gone in then we would surely have won.

As it was, straight down t he other end, a mistake by Saunders who could have cleared into row Z, a low cross and an unmarked finish at the far post. 1-0. Make that 2-0 as Craig slipped leaving a clear run on goal and an expert finish beyond Moore.

The half meandered on but the game changing moment arrived with Forshaw replacing Diagouraga and the newcomer dominated the remainder of the match.

With the exception of a couple of dangerous breaks the entire second half was dominated by the Bees who used the ball better and probed for openings.

Donaldson was wasteful and headed over from a peach of a Forshaw cross and Farid's turn created space for a golden chance which was hammered onto the the top of the bar.

Hayes went just behind the front 2 and then - hopefully another key moment, Bidwell replaced Barron.

Within a few moments he took the ball, player and all into touch and a message had been delivered. He looked far more solid than Barron and came forward at will.

Then it all turned when everything seemed lost. A poor flap from Goff was brilliantly volleyed in bt=y Douglas who had a more influential second half and right on time Donaldson at last got his bearings rigt and headed in at close range (offisde anybody?) from a Farid flick.

5 more minutes and we would have won but... we got out of jail.

I think we need to live with the first choice back four and let them bed in now that Bidwell has been blooded.

Moore did nothing wrong but I think that Lee is a better talker and communicator and his return might also help.

The subs bench was the strongest I think I have ever seen for brentford and Forshaw's display and Dave's Non- display makes next week's selection very interesting.

Hayes is also bedding in and settling down and IF we can stop these defensive nonsenses then we will be fine but we are currently far too generous at both ends of the pitch and this has to stop NOW

[bostonhanwell]

Two very poor defensive mistakes cost us today. The first was down to Saunders, who tried to control a bouncing ball in a dangerous area and got it totally wrong, lost the ball which was played across the box 1-0. There is a time and place for trying to be clever and that was not one of them. I think they call it playing the percentages, just hoof it out! The second was down to Craig who had to stay on his feet and didn't. 2-0. Both goals within a couple of minutes.

Leading up to the goals we were in control and were starting to create chances, notably from a succession of Logan crosses although Moore produced a world class save early on, tipping a pile driver onto the bar. Moore could do nothing about either goal and had a really good game with the exception of the odd poor kick.

We looked shell-shocked for the rest of the half and could have conceded a third. Second half we never really clicked but kept creating chances, Donaldson in particular missing a couple of good ones.

To be fair we kept going even when at times it looked like it was going to be one of those days when nothing goes in. Douglas scored a nice goal after they half cleared the ball, dipping it over the keeper and into the far corner. Game on.

Douglas then blasted the ball just over the bar and then with time running out a cross from the right was forced in at the far post by Donaldson.

Overall relieved to get a point in the end. There were many decent performances and it was a game we should really have won. If we can cut out the stupid mistakes and be a bit more clinical in front of goal we can go a long way this season.

[sonofabee]

We were clueless first half and two howlers gave them two goals in a minute.
Sam S took an age to take a ball down on the edge of his own box and lost possession to their winger who crossed for an easy finish. Not even a minute later, Craig slipped was dumped on his jacksy and their forward clinically finished, the opposite of Clayton who seemed to snatch at the 3 or 4 chances he had before he finally notched.

Dave was replaced by Forshaw which did work although I'd have played him in the middle immediately and not wide on the right.
Harlee Dean was excellent and is starting to look like a Captain, Forshaw grew into the game, Farid worked his wotsits off but the rest were below par.

Having said all that we showed spirit, never gave up despite how disjointed we looked at times and probably created about 7 or 8 clear cut chances that we didn't take.

Clayton looks off song but has 4 in 4 and I think that there is deffo goals in this team. Sorry for jumping on the bandwagon but Barron looks lightweight, nervy and an accident waiting to happen. Jake is the future and Adam Forshaw has to a accommodated.

Good craic on the away end and a new ground for me that wasn't nearly as bad as I'd expected.

All in all a lucky point but we'll improve.

[Lestabee]

Just got back, the odd joy of being a midland bee!

Started well as we have rest of our other games. For all our possession and neat play we still limit ourselfs to chances on goal, we'd rather find that sitting pass than just have a crack at goal! Have seen Barron play and think its time for him to step aside for Jake. It's clearly visible he's low on confidence and needs to be taken out of the firing line. Also think it's time for uwe to shake things up. When Sam is at his best he's one of if not our best player, but he's gotta be changed for forester who must be thinking what has he gotta do to get a kick?

Great save by moore 1st half but he's gotta speeded up he really kills our tempo when I believe our style is too play quick football. Hayes looked good when he came on bit of. Presence but maybe carrying a little bit of extra timber?

Just what you'd expet of dougie and dean leadership, and will to win!

Seen a few comments questioning Douglas? Seems one our most consistent performers never shirks a tackle like a few people.

Room for improvement but would take a point after 2 sloppy goals in 1min! But this is why we live our bees wouldn't change it for the premiershi*

Would say we need to look at the formation we seem very tight and reluctant to use the width.

Up the bees

[Alan D]

Not at the game and in the end delighted to rescue a point from the jaws of defeat. Still very early in the season and the league table means nothing until about ten games in. However, a small concern to me is that we have been gifted a relatively gentle start to the season and have not really taken advantage of it. Teams that will challenge for the top spots will expect a better return from the opposition that we have faced so far. When the fixtures were pulished I seriously believed that we would have 10, or even 12 points from our openning games. Far more sterner tests to come, so maybe it's good to get the problems out of the way with the lesser teams.

Maybe we are not really sure what our best starting options are, but we had better find out soon, before we have to face teams that will be serious contenders this season.

[sid]

First game for 15yrs, we play so narrow, so much space for opposition out wide, when we get width and put good crosses in we look good. Sadly lacking any real pace, too many one paced players, long way to go however, its been said this is the best squad for years,if its that good I have a feeling some of these players don't like or cant play the system, my own opinion is, I like at least one wide man with pace I believe the front two would flourish as we saw today good crosses in the box and we looked a different team. Ah well wont be too critical quite enjoyed it, might even go again.

[bostonhanwell]

Glad we were able to score the two late goals, that doesn't happen regularly enough from a non-winning position. For the next game, Bidwell to start ahead of Barron, Legge instead of Craig, Forshaw instead of Dave and anyone instead of Douglas. Is this the same Douglas as last year???? I think overall there is a lot to be positive about though, just need to play our best players.

I thought Douglas was okay but totally agree with the rest of what you said.

[JTofBFC]

4 in 4 for Donaldson now-I still think he can step up a notch as well!

I bloody hope he can because 4 in 4 or not he was complete cack today. So was Douglas so ironic that these two who would have been lucky to merit 1/10 on my scoreometer popped up with the decisive goals.

I don't know what spin Uwe has put on the late comeback as haven't got time to look at the Official site before going out for a beer but he seemed very despondent at times during the game and seemed to spend half the HT interval sitting outside in the dugouts on his own. Northampton Bees report is pretty nailed on but frankly if Uwe could have made 6 substitutions today he probably would have done. Agree that Dave wasn't the worst today but Forshaw did OK until he dropped far too deep. Saunders and Douglas were both complete pony and neither currently deserve a place in the side. I don't care whether Dougie's goal and subsequent great shot were instrumental in getting a point, he was sluggish, looks overweight and it was pointless playing someone who can't even stand on his left leg in that position.

Saunders was again rubbish, yet another powderpuff challenge leading to their first goal and surely has to give way to Forrester now (or another).

In defence, Craig has yet to live up to the hype and made yet another blunder leading to the 2nd goal. Barron was Barron , not his worst game so far but not really good enough and it was noticeable how the introduction of Bidwell seemed to lift the tempo. Logan had a decent game and Dean was absolutely immense and surely an easy winner of the MOM award. KOC did what he does and most went through him but ultimately it is fairly unproductive stuff and doesn't get us anywhere near a goal.

Up front, Farid harried and won plenty in the air, creating chances which Donaldson on the rare occasion he could be bothered to make a run promptly missed. Three sitters today before the equaliser went begging. The first a sort of falling over attempt from a one on one laid on a plate by Farid, the second he had time to bring the ball down leaving only the keeper (Grof ?) to beat but lofted it yards over, followed by a simple 6 yard box unmarked header which again sailed over the bar. Total crap from CD today. Also fuming about several occasions when he failed to get into the box after being involved in wing play and laying the ball off then just standing there - get in the ****ing box !

Only players to come out of this debacle with credit were Moore, Logan, Dean, KOC, Forshaw, Bidwell and Farid. The rest and I particularly include the two goalscorers should be back in for extra training tomorrow.

Lucky to get a point against a very average side. Rosler needs to start making some big decisions about some highly paid players who aren't doing it.

[magicbees]

I bloody hope he can because 4 in 4 or not he was complete cack today. So was Douglas so ironic that these two who would have been lucky to merit 1/10 on my scoreometer popped up with the decisive goals.

I don't know what spin Uwe has put on the late comeback as haven't got time to look at the Official site before going out for a beer but he seemed very despondent at times during the game and seemed to spend half the HT interval sitting outside in the dugouts on his own. Northampton Bees report is pretty nailed on but frankly if Uwe could have made 6 substitutions today he probably would have done. Agree that Dave wasn't the worst today but Forshaw did OK until he dropped far too deep. Saunders and Douglas were both complete pony and neither currently deserve a place in the side. I don't care whether Dougie's goal and subsequent great shot were instrumental in getting a point, he was sluggish, looks overweight and it was pointless playing someone who can't even stand on his left leg in that position.

Saunders was again rubbish, yet another powderpuff challenge leading to their first goal and surely has to give way to Forrester now (or another).

In defence, Craig has yet to live up to the hype and made yet another blunder leading to the 2nd goal. Barron was Barron , not his worst game so far but not really good enough and it was noticeable how the introduction of Bidwell seemed to lift the tempo. Logan had a decent game and Dean was absolutely immense and surely an easy winner of the MOM award. KOC did what he does and most went through him but ultimately it is fairly unproductive stuff and doesn't get us anywhere near a goal.

Up front, Farid harried and won plenty in the air, creating chances which Donaldson on the rare occasion he could be bothered to make a run promptly missed. Three sitters today before the equaliser went begging. The first a sort of falling over attempt from a one on one laid on a plate by Farid, the second he had time to bring the ball down leaving only the keeper (Grof ?) to beat but lofted it yards over, followed by a simple 6 yard box unmarked header which again sailed over the bar. Total crap from CD today. Also fuming about several occasions when he failed to get into the box after being involved in wing play and laying the ball off then just standing there - get in the ****ing box !

Only players to come out of this debacle with credit were Moore, Logan, Dean, KOC, Forshaw, Bidwell and Farid. The rest and I particularly include the two goalscorers should be back in for extra training tomorrow.

Lucky to get a point against a very average side. Rosler needs to start making some big decisions about some highly paid players who aren't doing it.

Good Post