Walsall 1 Brighton 0

Last updated : 01 February 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Brighton dominated the match but their misfortune was summed up in the second half when they hit the woodwork three times – twice through Bobby Zamora and once from Simon Rodger.

When Brighton did manage to hit the target they found keeper James Walker in stunning form.

The defeat ended the Seagulls’ four-match unbeaten run and leaves them still firmly rooted to the foot of the table.

Having ridden their luck, Walsall earned their first success in seven league games to give themselves more breathing space between themselves and the relegation zone.

Walsall made the perfect start when Leitao broke the deadlock after just seven minutes.

Midfielder Danny Sonner picked out full-back Darren Bazeley on the right wing and he floated over a pin-point cross that flew straight on to the head of Leitao.

The Portuguese marksman had the simple task of steering the ball home from just two yards.

Walsall's advantage could have been short-lived as Zamora dragged a shot across the face of the goal in the 11th minute after racing on to a clearance from Kerry Mayo.

Brighton went on to dominate the opening half in terms of possession, but they never seriously tested Walker until after the break.

The best first-half openings fell the way of Walsall and Brighton's debutant goalkeeper Dave Beasant threatened to gift them a second goal after 28 minutes.

Veteran Beasant, who lined up for his 11th club, spilled a long-range drive from Steve Corica.

But he made amends for that error by twice pouncing to deny David Zdrilic who had collected the loose ball.

But Walsall continued to surrender possession in the second half and had to ride their luck more and more as the game wore on.

Zamora exchanged passes with Paul Booker after 48 minutes and beat Walker with his lob only to see his shot crash off the bar.

Brighton camped out in Walsall's half and they were frustrated again in the 59th minute when Zamora hit the woodwork for a second time.

Once again Booker was the provider, sending over a left-wing cross that Walker could only palm away.

His attempted clearance fell to Zamora who this time saw his header crash off the post.

Amazingly, Brighton then hit the woodwork for a third time in the 63rd minute when a Paul Watson centre was drilled against the post by substitute Rodger.

Walker then further frustrated Brighton 16 minutes from time with a spectacular one-handed save to push a header from Watson over the bar.

He repeated the feat in stoppage time this time denying Gary Hart who had headed a cross from Zamora goalwards.