THE SADDLERS opened the 2007/08 season with a 1-1 draw against Carlisle United at a sun-soaked Banks's Stadium.

It was typical game of two halves as The Cumbrians dominated much of the opening period and deservedly took the lead through the lively Kevin Gall.

Richard Money's men came out with all guns blazing after the restart and it wasn't long before Tommy Mooney, who was making his Walsall League debut, had levelled matters.

We could have gone on to take maximum points as the game wore on but had to settle for a share of the spoils.

The first round of the Carling Cup gave us a long trip to Swansea City.

In what was a tough battle, it was the home side who managed to convert their chances to make progress into the next round.

Paul Anderson, on loan from Liverpool, found the net with a sweet strike on 22 minutes before substitute, Jason Scotland made the tie safe for the Welshmen in the closing stages as The Saddlers pushed up in search of an equaliser.

Next up was a trip to in-form Leyton Orient who had started the season with two impressive away victories.

Once again, The Saddlers gave a good account of themselves and created numerous chances, particularly in the first half.

Goalkeeper Clayton Ince made a fine save from the penalty spot, but a second half strike from Wayne Gray proved to be the difference.

We were back in home action as we once more locked horns with Roberto Martinez's Swansea City.

The Swans are expected to be amongst the promotion challengers this term but were rocked by an explosive start from Richard Money's men.

Martin Butler notched a seventh minute goal to open the scoring in his first game of the season and shortly afterwards Ishmel Demontagnac thought that he had doubled our advantage only to be denied by an outstanding save from the visiting 'keeper.

Swansea started to get on top as the first half wore on and had managed to get themselves in front by the 26th minute courtesy of goals from Andy Robinson and that man, Jason Scotland.

It was 3-1 half-way through the second period when Robinson notched his second, this time from the penalty spot, after Ian Roper had been dismissed for a professional foul.

The match was overshadowed by the death of youth team player, Anton Reid during a training session in the week leading up to the game. He was remembered with a minute's applause prior to kick-off.