Emirates FA Cup Second Round Proper, Saturday December 4th
The first Saturday in December was Emirates FA Cup Second
Round weekend, and I was at The Bescot Stadium in Walsall in my latest edition
of my Road To Wembley & saw Kaine Kesler-Hayden net mid-way through the
second period to settle a pulsating cup tie as Swindon Town defeated Walsall to
reach Round Three.
The Saddlers won at King’s Lynn Town in the last round of
the competition to reach this stage (here is my blog on that contest http://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2021/11/kings-lynn-town-0-walsall-1.html)
off the back of an unbeaten October, however since that cup win at The Walks
Walsall have only one win six in all competitions, netting only twice in those
games and losing four of those in the process, so not brilliant form it has to
be said.
The Robins in contrast, who won 3-0 at Crewe Alexandra in
their First-Round tie, won three in a row following that cup win, but their
last two games saw a draw in the league and then a home defeat in the EFL
Trophy, so they will come into this one looking to bounce back and win their
place in the Third Round of the competition.
This was a big game for both these SkyBet Football League
Two sides with the incentive of a big Premier League side a possible opponent
in the next round, imagine if Walsall, who sat 14th in League Two,
drawing local neighbours Aston Villa? Or imagine if Swindon, 4th in
League Two and level on points with automatic promotion, drew a big London side
or even Southampton? Win this game and that was very possible…
The visitors were backed by a 2,000 plus strong away
support, probably half the total crowd in the stadium, and they were jumping
for joy on the quarter hour mark when a ball played behind the hosts backline
saw Tyreece Simpson race onto the pass, outmuscle a defender who tried to get
back to thwart him, and fire an effort under Carl Rushworth. I will be honest
when the pass was played Simpson looked a yard or so offside, but the flag
never came, and Swindon had the advantage.
Walsall though managed to get themselves back into the contest
and nine minutes before the break found a leveller when a lovely cross from the
right found Emmanuel Osedebe who nodded home from close range, and it meant the
sides went into the break all square, although Walsall were screaming for a penalty
before the half time whistle when Conor Wilkinson appeared to be brought down
when he was about to shoot, but the referee deemed it a fair tackle, in which
case it was an incredible last ditch tackle from the visitors.
The second half was a pulsating affair it must be said, both
sides had attacks and opportunities to grab the lead, it was a very enjoyable
watch, but the winning moment came midway through the second period when a ball
overhit to the far side appeared to be going out for a goal kick, but it was
kept it and played back into the box where Kesler-Hayden ran onto it and
thumped a brilliant left footed effort beyond Rushworth and send the visiting
fans behind that goal into raptures, they were around twenty five or so minutes
from Round Three.
Walsall had chances to take the game to a replay, but found
Jojo Wollacott in the visiting goal able to make a couple of decent stops to
keep them out, whilst Swindon had chances to seal the tie on the counter,
however after six minutes of added on time, Swindon could celebrate the final
whistle and earn their place in the hat for the Third Round draw, and dream of
a big tie against a Premier League club.
Lastly a word for Walsall, superb in organising my matchday
package, and for a wonderful experience in the lounge prior to the game and for
a superb welcome and hospitable stay, thank you very much, it all added to the
enjoyment of the day, just sorry your club could not take their place in the
next round.
Full Time Walsall 1 Swindon Town 2
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