WALSALL v MK DONS
THE SADDLERS returned to home soil for the visit of fourth-placed MK Dons.It was a lively start from Walsall and after an inviting cross from Andy Taylor had caused problems before being cleared, he did the same in the eighth minute as this time Tom Bradshaw got his head on the ball to beat the 'keeper and open the scoring.
The Dons looked to hit back straight away but Carl Baker was denied by a block from Richard O'Donnell.
The visiting 'keeper was forced into a couple of hurried clearance as The Saddlers looked purposeful and determined.
Just past the half-hour mark and The Dons got themselves back on level terms when former Saddler, Will Grigg, found the net from a Bowditch cross to make it 1-1.
The ball was fired into the side-netting by Romaine Sawyers following some positive build-up play on the edge of the area featuring Jordan Cook.
At the other end, a low strike flew just wide from Jordan Spence as the first half ended 1-1.
The early action of the second half saw a low cross from Carl Baker cause problems but the danger was eventually cleared.
With the crowd in good voice, Jordy Hiwula forced a corner which found the head of Adam Chambers and his effort was cleared off the line by The Dons before Jordan Cook fired over as the ball stayed alive.
After Adam Chambers had seen yellow for a foul, there was another strike on goal from Cook, which was on target, but gathered by the 'keeper.
The first Walsall change of the afternoon saw Anthony Forde replace Hiwula.
Forde was soon in the action as he was fed by Purkiss but fired straight at the 'keeper. At the other end, Powell's low strike was dragged just wide.
Some good link-up play on the edge of the area between Forde and Mantom saw the latter get in a strike that was tipped over by Martin.
There was a late change when Jordan Murphy replaced Jordan Cook.
There was drama in stoppage time when James O'Connor's back header had to be clawed away by O'Donnell.
Some sloppy Walsall play almost let The Dons in with the last action but they failed to take advantage as the scoreline finished with honours even at 1-1.