A fantastic match in the West Midlands as City fought out a deserved draw against the Saddlers. The first half was very tight, with both sides having chances. Paul Merson looked class all the way through for the home side, along with the goalkeeper James Walker making some fantastic saves to keep them in the game.
The real action all occurred in the second half - Walsall were awarded a penalty, apparently for handball. Alexander saved the original shot but couldn't do anything about the rebound being bundled home. Harsh on City who had been matching the home side up to this point.
Lee was then sent off along with a Walsall player after some typical handbags at ten paces. City pushed on, Kavanagh and Langley both bringing fantastic saves out of the Walsall keeper. Just when it looked like all hope was lost as the minutes ticked down, Whalley popped up to place a left footed shot into the corner of the goal to send the 2500 travelling City fans wild.
A great afternoon's entertainment. Good football, a rubbish referee to scream at, two sendings off and an injury time equaliser. City now lie in midtable with eight points from five games going into the 2 week break for international action.
Additional reaction from Michael Morris
City should run out to let me entertain you. No one can deny that we have not had value for money so far this season. City deserved the goal that came from Gareth Whalley, we had to wait for it, bar Walsall's re-start it was the last kick of the game. Again City fans provided the most fantastic support, Walsall defender Richie, at one point stood and looked with amazement at the passionate fans willing Cardiff on, he was visibly surprised by the support we were giving as we won a corner.
The first half was goalless with City having the best chances. A Kav free kick was well saved by Walker, Langley hesitated when a snap shot was called for and other half chances went begging. If there was one complaint it was we over played. But after years of hoof ball it is a joy to see quality play. City had more attempts on target that Walsall did in total, (see stats on match report) Walker was man of the match by a mile and deserves the credit for keeping Walsall in the game.
The game exploded into life in the second half. 5 mins in and Walsall won a penalty for handball, for the first time in his City career Neil Alexander saved the kick but Walsall reacted quickest and Letao headed in.
Then it kicked off big time. Alan Lee was right in the middle of some aggressive exchanges on the City right which saw Lee and Aranalde (the man who missed their pen) get their marching orders. City had to attack. Wave after wave of City pressure could not breach Walkers goal. It was a travesty when Merson was given man of the match. Merse is quality but today Walker was excellent and kept Walsall in the game.
He was finally beaten deep in injury time when Whalley had time to pass the ball into the net from 8 yards out. City provided over 2,500 of the 8,000 crowd and the support was immense. A draw was the least City deserved Walsall were not a bad team but city were better. Two weeks off now and when we return Lee will face a 3 match ban. Thorne came on today and will get his place back.