A confident and assured performance from Sporting not only saw them gain their first away points of the season but winning against the League leaders gave them the boost that their season needed.
With absentees and injuries giving the management team few options, Keith Draper and Graham Scott played Chrisi Conway as the lone striker in front of a five-man midfield. Newcomer Luke Dugmore came in for James Turk who is out for 6 weeks with a groin injury whilst Jack Lodge stepped up from the reserves. In the back four Mike Thurbon replaced his brother Chris. There were also congratulations for James Blake who became a Dad earlier in the week.
Wood had the edge for the first few minutes with Sporting 'keeper Francis saving well from Lewis Boyce-Taylor on the 9th minute then blocking a well-taken free-kick by Cory Currithers moments later.
However, Sporting gradually eased themselves into the match retaining the bulk of the possession. Conway worked hard up front and was frustrated with several close offside decisions. However he gave Daniel Ware in the Wood goal his first test on 27 minutes which the 'keeper blocked then five minutes later won a free-kick on the edge of the box after being fouled. Danny Deehan quickly took the kick hitting it past Ware's outstretched right arm. There were protests from the home side but referee Mr Heath allowed the goal to stand.
Sporting were now on top and Deehan should have had his second minutes later but for the left-hand post stopping his shot. Wood nearly got themselves back into the game two minutes from the interval when a fine save from Francis denied Currithers.
The second half continued where the first left off with Sporting in command but defending a narrow lead.
The much-needed second goal came on the 59th minute again from a free-kick. This time it was the impressive Luke Dugmore who was pulled down on just outside the penalty area. Deehan again took the kick floating it into the box to Mike Thurbon who drove it against defender Lee Stretton who could do little other than deflect it off the woodwork and over the line.
The Walsall side tried hard to even things up with substitute Daniel Rock having a good attempt punched away by Francis but the away back line held fast.
Wood finally found the net with four minutes to go when a Craig Deakin free-kick caught the Sporting defence napping as Harry Harris's excellent volley easily beat Francis.
So an entertaining match with the result a fair reflection of the game. Joint manager Keith Draper said afterwards that that he was very pleased with both the result and performance. The change in formation and tactics had worked well. He also commended debutants Jack Lodge and Luke Dugmore for their contributions.
Walsall (red shirts, shorts, socks, 4-5-1):
Daniel Ware; Tom Howard (Daniel Rock 60 mins), Lee Stretton (capt), Shaun Boothe, Craig Deakin; Cory Currithers, Scott Cooper (Harry Harris 54 mins), Michael Murray, Drew Aiton, Andre Gonzales (Johaine Thompson 60 mins); Lewis Taylor-Boyce.
Subs not used: Nathaniel Jones, Jamie Hawkins.
Sporting (Yellow shirts, white shorts, white socks, 4-5-1):
Reece Francis; Aaron Roberts, Nick Martin (capt), Mike Thurbon, Jamie Parker; Keith Draper Jnr, Jack Lodge, Luke Dugmore (Jovan Blake-Walker 85 mins), James Blake, Danny Deehan (Grant Baker 76 mins); Chrisi Conway (Chris Morrison 71 mins).
Subs not used: Chris Thurbon, Dan Tierney. |