Midlands | Walsall battle to dramatic victory

Walsall 2 - 1 Swindon Town 

Connor Barrett kept his nerve amid the mayhem as 10-man Walsall snatched a dramatic win over Swindon in a feisty League Two curtain-raiser.

Author | Peter Grainger 

Stadium | Bescot Stadium

Walsall defend a free kick

Barrett latched onto a low cross, weaved through a crowded area and coolly slotted past the exposed Connor Ripley to seal a backs-to-the-wall victory for the visitors, who had spent much of the afternoon pinned deep in their own half.

A closer look at a dramatic first day

Walsall had struck first in the seventh minute through Evan Weir’s thunderous free-kick, lashed high inside the near post after Aaron Pressley had been dragged down on the charge.

View from stands

Swindon dominated possession and saw their control increase when Brandon Comley was sent off after just 21 minutes for bringing down Aaron Drinan as he raced through on goal.

Drinan spurned the home side’s best first-half chance with a header just wide, but the pressure eventually told with 11 minutes to play. Rico Browne was penalised for pulling down Harry Smith and Will Wright converted the resulting penalty, squeezing the ball into the bottom corner despite Myles Roberts getting a glove to it.

As the match became increasingly frantic, Walsall remained disciplined and clinical. Barrett made the most of a rare foray forward and claimed the winner in the first minute of added time.

Best reaction 

One Walsall fan told us: "The players gave everything for the shirt and for each other in what was a truly spirited and determined performance. To respond to the setback of a penalty that should never have been given, a shocking decision, and then come back again showed real character. It was a fantastic effort and I am absolutely delighted for the players, the manager and everyone connected with the club."

Frank, another Walsall fan, added: "It felt like the whole football club had come together. That's only going to be a positive as we try and get promoted to League One."