Three goals in an electric five minute spell saw Colin Lee's unbeaten run as
Walsall boss stretch to three games.
The relegation strugglers frustrated Millwall in what had been a dour
first-half encounter in blustery conditions.
But for all their stalling tactics Walsall could not prevent the high-flying
Lions from nosing ahead after the break.
Richard Sadlier recorded his 17th goal of the season with a glancing header
from Marc Bircham's corner to put the home side in front.
Yet despite going behind the Saddlers were soon in the driving seat.
First a Darren Wrack through-ball wrong-footed Matt Lawrence at the back,
putting winger Pedro Matias through to slide his effort underneath Tony Warner
for the leveller.
And then the Midlanders found themselves in front as Jorge Leitao sped clear
of the home defence before being bundled over by Warner in the area.
Dean Keates thumped home from 12 yards to send the travelling fans into
raptures, but the lead would not last more than two minutes as Millwall
substitute Neil Harris was himself pulled down in the box and promptly
despatched his own spot kick.
That frantic period was almost unbelievable after what had been a tedious
first 45 minutes.
Walsall's attacking intent had been restricted to the running of busy
Portuguese striker Leitao and Millwall's usually slick build up play often came
unstuck in the heavy winds.
But even the elements could not excuse Tim Cahill's wasteful finishing as he
sent four first-half efforts either over the bar or straight at the goalkeeper.
And Walsall's Darren Byfield was equally wasteful when he sent a guilt-edged
opportunity trickling wide.
The former Villa man should have drilled the ball home with Warner prostrate
but his effort was typical of what had seemed destined to finish a goalless draw
until the flurry of second-half goals.
Teams:
Millwall: Warner, Lawrence, Ryan, Nethercott, Dyche, Livermore,
Cahill, Reid (Harris 45), Bircham, Sadlier, Naylor (Ifill 67).
Subs Not Used: Gueret, Ward, Bull.
Booked: Warner.
Goals: Sadlier 67, Harris 83 pen.
Walsall: Walker, Brightwell, Carbon, Aranalde, Holdsworth,
Bennett, Matias, Andre (Keates 71), Wrack, Byfield (Angell 71),
Leitao.
Subs Not Used: Herivelto, Harper, Roper.
Booked: Walker, Brightwell, Carbon.
Goals: Matias 76, Keates 80 pen.
Att: 11,285
Ref: C Penton (Woodindean).
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