Wanderers humiliated and Albion edged out by Gunners

Wolves fall to mighty Morecambe in the League Cup as Albion are edged out on penalties

Season 2013-14 Part Two

WALSALL finished their season in League One in 13th position … well short, points-wise, of sixth-placed Peterborough United who claimed the final play-off spot, and a massive 45 fewer than neighbours Wolves.

The Saddlers, with Dean Smith in charge, made a decent enough start, winning four of their first seven matches, and six of 13 up to late October.

But thereafter their overall displays were mixed and from New Year’s Day until the end of the campaign they mustered just 23 points out of a possible 66, and finished with this record:

Kidderminster Harriers reached the fourth round of the FA Cup, losing in the end to Sunderland

Played 46, won 14, drew 14, lost 16, goals for 49, and against, also 49 for a points tally of 46.

Their best win was 5-1 away to Notts County in late January while their heaviest defeats were those of 3-0, all at home, to Wolves, Preston and MK Dons. Craig Westcarr with 14 goals was the Saddlers’ top scorer.

In the FA Cup competition, Wolves lost to Oldham Athletic in round one, Albion succumbed to Crystal Palace in round three. while Walsall went out in round 2, beaten by Leyton Orient.

In the Capital-sponsored League Cup, Wolves were humiliated by Morecambe in round one, the Baggies lost 4-3 on penalties (after a 1-1 draw) to Arsenal in the third round and Walsall went out to Stoke City in round two. Wolves and Walsall also competed in the Johnstone Paints Trophy – and after beating their near neighbours in the first round, Wolves were knocked out by Notts County soon afterwards.

And finally Kidderminster Harriers finished seventh in the Skrill Premiership, missing out on a play-off place by five points.

Tamworth unfortunately ended up next to bottom. In fact the Harriers beat Tamworth 5-3 at Aggborough in a thrilling encounter in late November in front of almost 2,000 fans.

And manager Gary Whild’s Harriers side also reached the 4th round of the FA Cup, eventually losing to Sunderland 1-0 at The Stadium of Light before a 25,000 crowd. Earlier they had knocked out Bradford Park Avenue, Sutton United, Newport County

Claudio Yacob of West Brom holds off Barry Bannan of Crystal Palace, FA Cup third round in 2014 (Richard Heathcote/ Getty Images)

Zeli Ismail of Wolves battles Sam Saunders of Brentford during the League One game on November 23, 2013 (Ben Hoskins/getty Images)

Kidderminster Harriers manager Gary Whild