THERE was a carnival atmosphere as bare-chested men, Teletubbies, giant furry animals, cowboys and girls helped inspire The Saddlers to a 1-0 victory at Gillingham in our final away game of the season.

With an impressive home record, The Gills made the brighter start as former Saddler, Darren Byfield looked to latch onto an inviting ball into the danger zone within the opening minute but he just missed out before striker partner, Neil Harris was denied by a smart save from Andy Oakes after he reacted quickest to a low corner to the near post.

There was a chance at the other end on 14 minutes as former Gillingham men, Steve Claridge and Kevin James linked up only for the latter to see his stinging shot blocked by Jason Brown in the home goal. The effort wouldn't have counted, though as the assistant referee had his flag raised.

A slip by Craig Pead saw him concede a corner which found Andrew Crofts at the far post but he failed to make a proper connection as Oakes made an easy save.

Backed by a very vocal and good-humoured travelling contingent, The Saddlers were playing without fear and Mark Wright saw a shot flash well wide of the target after a positive run towards goal.

As the half-time interval approached, Byfield headed a good opportunity over following another intelligent cross by Harris. Byfield then turned provider in the final minute of the half when he pulled the ball back from the by-line into the path of loanee, Tommy Black who saw his powerful drive pushed out by Oakes.

There was a good opening for Walsall just a couple of minutes into the second period when James broke clear but as he closed in on goal, he lost composure and saw his effort sail over the crossbar.

At the other end, Harris fired straight at Oakes before The Saddlers took the lead on 53 minutes when James was fouled just outside the penalty area and from the resulting free-kick, Dean Keates curled the ball around the wall and towards goal as Brown was unable to gather cleanly and this allowed Claridge to guide the loose ball home from close range much to the delight of the fans behind the goal.

The home side lacked any real punch as they played out the season. A powerful drive by Crofts on 72 minutes flew wide after some skilful build-up play to create the chance, whilst Matthew Jarvis saw his effort well held by Oakes.

Caretaker-manager, Mark Kinsella made a couple of changes with time running out as Ishmel Demontagnac was replaced by Daryl Taylor and then Claridge left to a good round of applause from both sets of supporters to be replaced by Andrew Barrowman.

There was another chance for Byfield with four minutes to go as he headed over a long ball into the area and as the home side pressed for an equaliser, a dangerous free-kick at the death ended with a shot through a crowd of players dragged wide of the mark as The Saddlers held firm to secure an all too rare away day success.

WALSALL FC WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK THOSE SUPPORTERS WHO GAVE THE TEAM SUCH FINE BACKING AT GILLINGHAM AND INDEED THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE REGULARLY TRAVELLED AWAY THROUGHOUT THE COURSE OF WHAT HAS BEEN A DISAPPOINTING SEASON.

YOU WERE A CREDIT TO THE CLUB TODAY AND WE HOPE THAT YOU WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE US SIMILAR BACKING NEXT SEASON.......