Matt strike sets up shock win for Walsall
JAMAICAN STRIKER Jamille Matt scored his first goal in two months as Walsall won for the first time in seven outings with a shock 2-1 victory over Mansfield Town in English League Two on Saturday.
The veteran 34-year-old, whose last goal for the West Midlands club came i n last December, put the hosts ahead in the 47th minute, to notch only his third goal of the League Two campaign.
Stephen Quinn equalised in the 50th minute before 20-year-old Emmanuel Adegboyega, on loan from Championship side Norwich City, scored on his Football League debut in the 65th minute, to ensure Walsall full points.
Walsall are 16th on 42 points and well clear of the drop zone while Mansfield remain in the hunt for automatic promotion, second in the league on 60 points and just a point adrift of leaders Stockport.
“There was so much character shown,” said Walsall manager Mat Sadler.
“I thought Jamille was a monster. I thought he was absolutely fantastic, but more importantly, everyone gave their heart and soul out there, and that’s sometimes all we can ask.”
Following a goalless first half at Bescot Stadium, Matt headed home Isaac Hutchinson’s cross in the moments following the resumption.
However, the lead lasted just a few minutes as Quinn produced a clinical finish for the equaliser after being set up by Hiram Boateng.
The winner came just past the hour mark when Hutchinson’s corner found Adegboyega at the near post, the Irishman beating goalkeeper Christy Pym with a sharp header.
Matt j oined Walsall on an 18-month deal last year January following three seasons at Forest Green Rovers.